Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration, often called ARMD (age-related macular degeneration) is a chronic eye disease marked by the age-related deterioration of the macula – the light sensitive area in the centre of the retina.

As the macula is key area responsible for central vision, any breakdown or impairment results in vision loss.

There are two forms of the disorder – dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). While in dry (non-neovascular) macular degeneration the macula thins and bits of debris gather beneath it, in wet (neovascular) macular degeneration, new blood vessels grow underneath the retina. These fragile vessels often leak fluid and blood, causing scar tissue to form and central vision to deteriorate quickly.

Causes
While aging is believed to be the leading cause of the disease, a diet high in saturated fats, cigarette smoke and excessive exposure to bright sunlight prompt the release of free radicals. These unstable oxygen molecules harm the cells thus triggering the disease. High blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes also contribute to the disease as they limit the blood flow to the eye.

Prevention
Working as antioxidants (a molecule capable of slowing the oxidation of other molecules), vitamin C, vitamin E and different types of carotenoids (organic pigments naturally occurring in plants) help neutralize the free radicals linked to macular degeneration. The carotenoids -lutein and zeaxanthine -typically present in green vegetables, eggs and fish oil protect the eye against macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses and avoid smoking.