Macular Degeneration and Vision Protection

A Summary of Macular Degeneration and Vision Protection

The following is a list of suggestions that may be helpful in protecting the vision of people with macular degeneration.

 

If you have dry macular degeneration, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Your eye care professional can monitor your condition and check for other eye diseases.

 

Also, if you have intermediate dry macular degeneration in one or both eyes, or advanced macular degeneration in one eye only, your doctor may suggest that you take vitamins for macular degeneration containing high levels of antioxidants and zinc.

 

Because dry macular degeneration can turn into wet macular degeneration at any time, you should get an Amsler grid from your eye care professional. Use the grid every day to evaluate your vision for signs of wet macular degeneration. This quick test works best for people who still have good central vision. Check each eye separately. Cover one eye and look at the grid. Then cover your other eye and look at the grid. If you detect any changes in the appearance of this grid or in your everyday vision while reading the newspaper or watching television, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam right away.

 

If you have wet macular degeneration and your doctor advises treatment, do not wait. After macular degeneration surgery or photodynamic therapy, you will need frequent eye exams to detect any recurrence of leaking blood vessels. Macular degeneration research studies show that people who smoke have a greater risk of recurrence than those who don't. In addition, check your vision at home with the Amsler grid. If you detect any changes, schedule an eye exam immediately.