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Supplements & Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

Our eyesight is a precious function that many of us take for granted. While sitting in the doctor’s office may not be something you enjoy doing, a yearly visit with your ophthalmologist is a great way to protect your vision from degenerative eye disease. Supplements and vitamins are used for slowing or stopping the progression of macular degeneration in older adults. Macular degeneration is the most common eye disease. If you are 55 years or older, your ophthalmologist should examine your eyes every year as early diagnosis is the key to a successful treatment plan.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

There are many risk factors for macular degeneration such as heredity and age, smoking, high blood pressure, and vitamin-deficient diets.

The two types of macular degeneration are wet and dry. Both will lead to loss of vision if they are not diagnosed and treated aggressively. For more information on risk levels and the types of macular degeneration, contact your ophthalmologist.

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, you are not alone. While macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness, it is also treatable. Depending on your level of degeneration and your adherence to a treatment plan, you can slow the development of macular degeneration for many years.

Supplements for Macular Degeneration

There are many treatments available for macular degeneration patients, and your specific treatment options will depend on the type, stage, and personal medical history.

Remember, your ophthalmologist is a trained professional, so regardless of the treatment recommended, following it closely is imperative to maintaining your vision. The first step to stopping or slowing the spread of macular degeneration is adjusting your diet to include supplements to improve your health. Here is a list of the most common changes for your diet:

1. Zinc and Antioxidants

After years of research, studies have shown that taking supplements with high levels of zinc and antioxidants may help slow the progression of macular degeneration. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the right type and dosage of these supplements. If you are at risk of developing macular degeneration or are concerned about this condition, ensure your daily multivitamin contains these vital nutrients.

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2. Other Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to zinc and antioxidants, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a daily supplement with high doses of vitamins C and E, copper, and zeaxanthin. This regimen is based on recent findings that suggest these supplements may stop or slow the progression of intermediate dry macular degeneration from advancing to wet macular degeneration, the stage when loss of vision occurs.

3. Eye-Healthy Foods

While supplements are the most common treatment for macular degeneration, remember that simply taking a daily vitamin will not prevent or slow the progression of this destructive disease.

Ophthalmologists also recommend, in addition to daily supplements, eating a diet rich in nutrients that promote healthy eye function and slow the advancement of macular degeneration. When choosing fruits and vegetables, choose colorful vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.

Preventing Macular Degeneration

Your best defense against developing a degenerative eye disease is to practice preventative measures, so macular degeneration will not be a threat to your eyesight. Regular eye exams and tools like the Amsler Grid test can help detect any changes in the retina and macula. Our staff of ophthalmologists provides dependable eye care solutions such as macular degeneration treatments, cataract surgery, dry eye treatments, LASIK eye surgery, and presbyopia treatments. Yearly examinations with our team of ophthalmologists will verify that your eyes are healthy. If they're not, yearly exams allow for early detection of eye degeneration.

We'll help you to utilize the many treatments, supplements, and vitamins for macular degeneration if this condition affects you. Our team of ophthalmologists offers eye treatment options in areas of Michigan and Ohio such as Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Bryan, and Toledo. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (877) 852-8463.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Wet vs Dry Macular Degeneration

Don’t be intimidated by its big name. Macular degeneration is the term for a manageable eye condition that impairs our vision as we age. Whether you’re one of the millions who have been diagnosed with macular degeneration or you’re here to improve your eye health, you may have heard people refer to two types — “wet” and “dry” macular degeneration. So, what’s the difference between the two?

The purpose of this guide is to answer that question, and it starts with a general understanding of macular degeneration.

Table of Contents

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, represents the primary cause of vision loss among adults over 60. It affects the macula, a crucial part of the retina responsible for central vision processes such as facial recognition, reading, and driving.

This condition develops when the macula begins to deteriorate over time, causing central vision loss while leaving peripheral vision intact. While AMD typically doesn't cause complete blindness, it can significantly impact a person's quality of life by making everyday activities more challenging as the condition progresses.

What is Dry Macular Degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration accounts for 85-90% of all AMD cases and is characterized by the gradual deterioration of the macula and the accumulation of drusen, small deposits of cellular debris in the retina.

While this form typically progresses at a slower rate than wet AMD, it can still lead to significant central vision impairment if left unmonitored. And because dry AMD can sometimes develop into the more serious wet form, regular eye examinations are essential for tracking its progression.

What is Wet Macular Degeneration?

Wet macular degeneration, though less common than dry macular degeneration, represents the more severe form of AMD and requires immediate medical attention. The hallmark of this condition is the abnormal growth of blood vessels beneath the retina, which can leak blood and fluid, causing rapid and severe damage to central vision.

Since there is no treatment for wet macular degeneration, early detection is crucial to managing its symptoms. During this stage, patients may notice straight lines appearing wavy or distorted. These changes should prompt an immediate consultation with your eye care specialist.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Those over 60 should be aware of the potential wet and dry macular degeneration symptoms, particularly in their early stages, as timely detection is crucial for managing AMD.

Early and Intermediate Stages
- Minimal to no noticeable symptoms initially
- Mild blurriness in central vision
- Difficulty adapting to low-light conditions
- Dulled intensity of colors
- Need for brighter light when reading or doing detailed work
Advanced Stages (Wet or Dry)
- Straight lines appearing wavy or bent
- Dark or blurry spots in the center of vision
- Progressive growth of blind spots in central vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Problems with reading, driving, or performing detailed tasks

Treatments for Macular Degeneration

Managing AMD requires a personalized approach based on the type and stage of the condition. While limited, here are the current treatment options available:

Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment
- Regular monitoring through comprehensive eye exams.
- Lifestyle modifications, including exercising regularly and quitting smoking.
- Nutritional support through eye-healthy foods (fish, leafy greens, yellow fruits).
- AREDS2 vitamin and mineral supplements for intermediate stages.
- Advanced cases may be prescribed one of two new FDA-approved injectable medications, including pegcetacoplan or avacincaptad pegol.
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
- Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections have shown vision stabilization in 90% of patients and vision improvement in 33%.
- Laser photocoagulation surgery to seal leaking blood vessels.
- A combination of photodynamic therapy, laser treatment, and anti-VEGF injections has proven successful in select cases.

FAQs: Wet AMD vs Dry AMD

Which form of macular degeneration is more severe?

While both types can impact vision, wet macular degeneration is generally considered more serious as it can cause rapid vision loss due to leaking blood vessels. Even though dry macular degeneration progresses more slowly, it should still be monitored carefully since it can develop into the wet form.

What are the chances of dry AMD progressing to wet AMD?

Approximately 10% of patients with dry macular degeneration will develop the wet form. Regular monitoring by your eye care specialist is crucial for early detection of any changes, as prompt treatment of wet AMD can help preserve vision.

Can macular degeneration be prevented?

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent AMD, several lifestyle choices can reduce your risk:

Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams
Maintain a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and fish
Exercise regularly
Avoid smoking or quit if you currently smoke
Protect your eyes from UV exposure
Consider vitamin supplements if recommended by your doctor

How often should I get my eyes checked if I have AMD?

The frequency of eye exams depends on your AMD type and stage. Generally, those with early AMD should have comprehensive exams at least annually, while those with more advanced stages may need frequent monitoring. Your eye care specialist will recommend an appropriate schedule.

Can I continue driving with macular degeneration?

Early-stage AMD permits continued driving, especially during daylight hours. However, as the condition progresses, you should discuss driving safety with your eye care provider, as they can best assess your visual capabilities and make appropriate recommendations.

Dry Vs Wet Macular Degeneration: Risk Factors & Treatments

The leading cause of vision loss among Americans 60 years of age and older is macular degeneration. It affects 11 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to double by 2050. The disease affects the small central portion of your retina, known as the macula. This portion of your eye is responsible for our sharp, central vision. It helps us read, recognize faces, drive, and more. In macular degeneration, this spot deteriorates and leads to irreversible destruction that could dramatically change your life as you age. There are two kinds of macular degeneration, wet and dry. To help you, we've outlined the differences of dry vs wet macular degeneration.

Two Forms of Macular Degeneration: Dry vs Wet

Dr. Carmelina Gordon, of Specialty Eye Institute, says the dry form of macular degeneration is the more stable form of the disease while the wet form is the more aggressive one. There is a 10% chance of converting to the wet form from the dry stage. If you are comparing the differences between dry vs wet macular degeneration, ninety percent of legal blindness from macular degeneration is due to the wet form. The dry form is characterized by the presence of yellow deposits in the macula, while the wet form is characterized by leaking abnormal blood vessels growing underneath the macula.

Risks for Dry vs Wet Macular Degeneration

While age and family history are the most prominent factors, there are other factors that make you more susceptible to macular degeneration. They include:

Smoking doubles the risk of developing the disease
Diets that lack vegetables & fruits
Women are more likely to develop the disease
Macular degeneration is more common among whites
High blood pressure & cholesterol

Are There Early Stage Symptoms of Macular Eye Degeneration?

The early stages of wet and dry macular degeneration can be bereft of symptoms. Hence, a complete exam including a yearly dilated eye exam is recommended for people above 50 years of age. Diagnostic tools such as an Amsler Grid test can also help detect changes in the retina.

Treating Macular Degeneration

Once diagnosed, Dr. Gordon says there are various treatment options. Vitamins containing a high dose of antioxidants and zinc are recommended for intermediate-stage dry AMD. Your eye care professional will determine whether your macular degeneration is in the intermediate stage, and will make the recommendation to use these vitamins. The wet form of macular degeneration is treated using intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs that are given every 4-8 weeks for an average of 2 years or more. These anti-VEGF meds include an off-label drug called Avastin, and 2 FDA-approved drugs namely, Lucentis and Eylea. Numerous research studies are underway for new drugs to treat macular degeneration. “We are constantly looking for more efficacious and permanent treatment regimens,” states Dr. Gordon, who oversees and directs the macular degeneration studies at Specialty Eye Institute.

While rarely resulting in total blindness, the potentially significant visual disability caused by macular degeneration can be life-altering. Its negative effect on our central vision (crucial for everyday activities), further showcases the importance of regular exams especially as we age. Our team of ophthalmologists offers innovative macular degeneration treatments to help preserve or improve your vision. In addition, our staff of doctors provides other types of eye care solutions such as cataract eye surgery, refractive lens exchange treatments, and LASIK surgery. Give our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to book an appointment. Our doctors may perform a variety of tests to diagnose dry and wet macular degeneration.

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Eye Protection From the Sun: UV Protection Tips

Most people are aware of how the sun can affect and damage their skin. Likewise, the majority of outdoor enthusiasts are well-versed in effective ways to protect their skin from the sun. However, many summer revelers are less aware of (or have a tendency to overlook) the damage the sun can cause to their eyes. Although maybe not as apparent as a blaring sunburn after a long day of summer fun, UV eye damage is just as dangerous.

Protecting Your Eyes from Sun Damage

Use this UV protection guide to learn the potential risks of sun exposure and learn how to effectively protect your eyes from the most damaging UV rays.

Types of UV Damage

There are two basic types of rays from which you need protection: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the deeper penetrating of the two and are much more prevalent. These rays impact your central vision and can damage the macula, which is a part of your retina in the back of your eye. UVB rays are most known for their role in causing sunburns and skin reddening, but they can also have an effect on your eyes. It is important to protect your eyes from UVB rays to prevent damage to your cornea. In addition, UVB rays have been shown to cause even more damage to vision than UVA rays.

Depending on the frequency and intensity of your exposure to damaging radiation as well as the methods you utilize to protect your eyes, exposure may lead to a number of eye concerns, including:

Macular degeneration
Cataracts
Pterygium
Cancer of the eyelids
Corneal sunburn

As eyesight is likely one of your most relied-upon senses, it is crucial that you learn proper summer eye care and protect your eyes any time you are in the sun.

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Summer Sun Protection Tips

Most eye care is generally straightforward; however, protecting your eyes involves more than just throwing on your favorite pair of shades. Effective summer sun protection takes intentionality and knowing what to look for to really protect your eyes. Use these sun protection tips recommended by your eye doctor to avoid preventable sun damage to your eyes.

Choose Your Sunglasses Carefully

While classy summer shades are a favored accessory for many, don’t just go for style when investing in sunglasses. Rather, look for a pair that is labeled with “100 percent UV protection” or “UV400” to make sure you are getting the right type of protection. Likewise, opt for a larger style with a bit of wrap-around to avoid rays penetrating your eyes from the side. If you need help protecting your eyes from the sun, ask your eye doctor for recommendations or have them take a look at your shades.

Wear a Hat in Addition to Sunglasses

In addition to sunglasses with the right UV protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will further protect the eyes. A hat will block roughly half of the UV rays to which you are exposed. This protection also gives you a better defense against rays that may penetrate above or around your sunglasses. Look for a hat with an effective UV rating to get the most protection.

Avoid Peak Hours

While most people love to soak up the sun’s rays mid-day, this time of day is also when the sun can be the most damaging. If at all possible, avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM to protect your eyes from the most aggressive UV rays. In the event that you must be out during the middle of the day, though, always wear protective gear, including sunscreen, and seek shade whenever possible.

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Never Gaze Directly at the Sun

Even with protective eyewear, looking at the sun directly can cause significant damage to your eyesight. The most common type of damage caused by direct sun contact is retinopathy, a form of retina damage caused by solar radiation. The easiest way to protect your eyes is to avoid gazing directly at the sun during the day, including during an eclipse.

Avoid Exposure Even When It’s Cloudy

Many people are fooled by cloudy days. Thinking that the clouds provide protection from the sun’s rays is an easy way to damage your eyes without even realizing it. Don’t be fooled. Practice safe eye care and wear protective sunglasses and a hat even when it is cloudy out.

Your best defense against the sun is knowing the damaging effects of the sun’s rays and wearing the right kind of protection. Use these sun protection tips to maintain your eyesight and avoid as much preventable damage as you can.

What Is Considered Legally Blind?

You may have heard the term “legal blindness” and wondered what it really means to be legally blind. We’re here to help you understand this complex—and often misunderstood—term so you know what warning signs to be aware of in your own life.

Keep reading to learn about the technical definition of legal blindness along with its common causes, treatments, and prevention tips.

The Definition of Legal Blindness

Normal or “perfect” vision is 20/20 central visual acuity. Someone is legally blind if they:

Have 20/200 central visual acuity or worse in their better-seeing eye with the help of prescription glasses or contacts
Have a visual field of 20 degrees or less

If a person with 20/20 vision can see an object that’s 200 feet away from them, someone with 20/200 vision would only be able to see the same object from 20 feet away. If a person can see clearly while wearing prescription glasses or contacts, they’re not considered to be legally blind.

It’s important to note that there are different levels of blindness. For example, legal blindness doesn’t necessarily equate to total blindness, which is characterized by a complete lack of light and form perception. However, some people who are legally blind are also totally blind.

The vast majority of people who are legally blind do not fall within the threshold of total blindness.

The U.S. government uses this definition of legal blindness to determine eligibility for things like federal disability benefits, driving privileges, rehabilitative care, school and workplace accommodations, low vision devices, and tax exemption programs. Doctors use this definition to determine candidacy for various vision treatments, like medication and surgery.

3 Tests That Are Used to Diagnose Legal Blindness

Optometrists and ophthalmologists use these three methods to test for legal blindness in patients.

Snellen Eye Chart

Even if you’ve never been to the eye doctor, you could probably recognize a Snellen eye chart. It features a series of black capital letters that decrease in size as you move down the chart. As a result, the letters at the bottom are the most difficult to read. Someone who is legally blind can only read the top letter on the chart.

Your doctor will have you cover one eye at a time and read the lowest row of letters so that you can measure your visual acuity in each eye. This test helps your doctor determine if you need prescription glasses or contacts or if you need a new prescription for the glasses or contacts you already wear.

Confrontational Visual Field Test

A confrontational visual field test is another way that eye doctors measure visual acuity. As the doctor sits in front of you, he or she will hold up a series of fingers in various positions to test all four quadrants in your visual field—particularly your peripheral vision. You will cover one eye at a time and recite the number of fingers you see. If you struggle to detect the number of fingers being shown, you may be legally blind.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam uses a series of tests to measure your visual acuity and detect common eye diseases and conditions that could lead to legal blindness. If you have one of those vision conditions, you face a greater risk of losing your vision and becoming legally blind—if the condition goes unchecked.

Common Vision Conditions That Are Linked to Legal Blindness

The common vision conditions described below can cause legal blindness if left untreated.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over the age of 60. It occurs when the macula—the central part of the retina—deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Although age-related macular degeneration doesn’t typically cause total blindness, it’s still a possibility. At the very least, it can cause visual impairments that inhibit daily tasks.

Cataracts

A cataract is distinguished by a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which blurs vision. Cataracts make it more difficult to complete daily tasks, like reading, driving, and watching TV. The more a cataract progresses, the more likely it is to cause vision loss, which could lead to blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a vision condition that can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It damages the blood vessels at the back of the retina, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left unchecked.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma constitutes a group of vision conditions that damage the optic nerve, which transfers images from the eye to the brain. Similarly to age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over age 60.

How Legal Blindness Is Treated

The particular vision condition that caused you to become legally blind will help your doctor determine the proper treatment plan. Common treatments for legal blindness include prescription glasses or contacts, medication, a corneal transplant, cataract or retinal surgery, and visual rehabilitation—like low vision therapy and low vision devices.

These treatments are designed to enhance one’s vision to improve their daily function and overall quality of life. Keep in mind, though, that not all cases of legal blindness can be treated.

How to Prevent Legal Blindness

Prevention is always preferred over treatment. Here are five practical ways that you can prevent legal blindness.

Schedule routine eye exams with dilation: These comprehensive exams enable doctors to detect, diagnose, and treat vision conditions that could cause legal blindness.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutrient-rich foods, exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight, and get plenty of sleep each night.
Know your family history: Some eye conditions that cause legal blindness are hereditary. Knowing your family’s history of these conditions can help you protect your vision.
Wear eye protection when necessary: Whether you’re mowing the lawn or participating in a contact sporting event, you should wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from common hazards.
Don’t smoke: If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. If you currently smoke, quit.

Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam at Specialty Eye Institute

The best thing you can do for your vision is schedule routine eye exams. During a comprehensive eye exam at Specialty Eye Institute, the doctor will check your eyes for signs of common vision conditions that can cause legal blindness. This exam also helps the doctor determine your need for prescription glasses or contacts.

Schedule your appointment today to get started.

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