Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that destroys central vision – essential for reading, driving and recognising faces.

Condition causes gradual loss of central vision while often maintaining color and peripheral (straight ahead) vision. It may cause blurry or distorted vision as well as eventually leading to total blindness in some cases.

1. Dry eye

Macular degeneration occurs when damage to the central portion of the retina (the thin layer at the back of the eye) results in loss of straight ahead vision, leading to irreversible blindness in people over 50 in industrialized countries. Macular degeneration typically progresses gradually over time with small clumps of yellow protein called drusen developing under the retina, eventually leading to thinner and dry retinal tissue which over time results in blurry or blank spots appearing within their field of vision. Typically it does not affect side or peripheral vision in any way.

Contact lens wearers are at an increased risk for dry eye and infection due to their lenses blocking oxygen from reaching the corneal surface, irritated and potentially damaged by chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection such as preservative-containing solutions used when disinfecting their lenses, which further irritate and potentially damage their eyes. It is best advised that individuals wearing contacts follow the recommendations of their physicians regarding type of lenses to use and replacement schedule; for macular degeneration patients wearing contacts the use of daily disposable lenses that limit antigen and protein deposits on lenses is ideal;

Recent years have witnessed extensive research to explore whether certain vitamins and nutrients can slow the progression of dry macular degeneration. Studies have demonstrated that patients taking antioxidant vitamins are less likely to suffer from macular degeneration compared to those who do not, but other steps that may lower someone’s risk include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and regular dilated eye exams as well as eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish and particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s).

2. Eye infections

If you wear contact lenses, it is crucial that you adhere to their care instructions on when and for how long to use them. Excessive use increases the risk of eye infections resulting in redness, pain or altered vision – consult your ophthalmologist immediately if these symptoms develop.

Wearing contacts without disposing of them properly puts your eyes at greater risk for issues, and could potentially cause corneal ulcers and wet age-related macular degeneration – an eye disease in which abnormal blood vessels form under the retina, leaking blood or fluid, leading to rapid loss of vision.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive condition that affects the central part of the retina (macula). This results in blurry or distorted vision; typically only peripheral vision remains unaffected. Common symptoms of AMD include declining facial or color recognition, difficulty adapting to low light conditions, gradual blurring over time, gradual loss of peripheral vision and distortions in simple geometric forms.

Retina Health Institute located in Rockford and Elgin can offer more information regarding photodynamic therapy as a treatment to slow or even reverse wet macular degeneration progression. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is an effective way to detect macular degeneration; though not curable, several steps may help slow its rate of vision loss such as eating healthily, exercising regularly, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking and adhering to other recommended measures (for instance eating healthy diet, regular exercising regiment, controlling blood pressure/ cholesterol control etc). Additionally photodynamic therapy may slow or even reverse its progression; for more information contact Retina Health Institute located in Rockford or Elgin

3. Bacterial infections

Bacterial eye infections are serious medical concerns that could potentially result in permanent blindness. They may be caused by various factors, including unclean contact lenses, improper storage conditions or sharing makeup/eyeshadow among multiple users. Signs and symptoms of infection include redness, watery eyes, burning sensations, sensitivity to light, itching or blurred vision; any such signs should be treated immediately with antibiotics or another appropriate therapy regimen.

Bacterial infections can result in scar tissue formation and damage to the cornea – the thin layer of cells covering the front surface of your eye – as well as damage to macula (part of retina that manages central vision to allow us to clearly see objects), leading to loss of central vision and ultimately central blindness.

Signs of macular degeneration include reduced color perception and difficulty seeing fine detail, which may be difficult to identify on its own. Macular degeneration should be assessed immediately by an ophthalmologist if symptoms such as double vision or wavy lines appear across the center of one’s field of view; additionally, an Amsler grid can also help doctors assess if the lines appear straight or wavy and any distortion in edges of black squares occurs.

As many things can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, protecting eyes from UV rays and eating foods rich in antioxidants are all strategies that may reduce your chances of macular degeneration. Contact lenses fitted by qualified optometrists may also prove useful.

4. Glaucoma

Aqueous humor fills the anterior chamber of each eye and flows in and out regularly, providing nourishment to every part. When this fluid drains away properly through a meshwork at the angle where iris and cornea meet, pressure begins building within the eye gradually and can eventually lead to optic nerve damage.

The optic nerve connects visual information through electrical impulses to visual centers in your brain. Comprised of 1.2 million nerve fibers responsible for color vision, contrast sensitivity and peripheral (side) vision sensitivity; damage to this nerve may lead to central vision loss over time; initially symptoms may be mild but if pressure continues building it could kill off both peripheral and central vision simultaneously.

Macular degeneration occurs when the central portion of retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. This deterioration leads to blurry and distorted central vision and makes it hard for older adults to perceive fine details. There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry form macular degeneration affects over 85% of people – it forms when yellow protein clumps called drusen form beneath maculas – while abnormal blood vessels form underneath retina and leak fluid into maculas that damages maculas permanently. Wet form is less prevalent yet more serious; abnormal blood vessels form beneath retina leaking fluid into macula which damages macula.

An effective combination of healthy eating habits and annual eye exams can help stave off macular degeneration. Focus on eating foods high in antioxidants like kale, arugula, and raw spinach as sources of these vital antioxidants; additionally take vitamin E supplements or lutein and zeaxanthin supplements for extra support.

5. Diabetes

Millions of Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye condition which reduces sharp, straight vision. AMD occurs when blood vessels in the retina become damaged, leaking fluid into its center area – known as macula – which makes reading, driving a car or recognising faces difficult and over time leads to blindness – the leading cause among Americans aged 50 or above. Although its cause lies mostly within heredity and age factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure or poor diet may contribute to AMD as well.

Diabetic Retinopathy, the most prevalent form of macular degeneration, results from elevated blood sugar levels damaging tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Damaged vessels leak fluid into the macula, leading to swelling and blurring. Peripheral (side) vision remains unaffected. Over time, abnormal blood vessels may grow on the surface of retina causing bleeding that leads to scar tissue formation resulting in severe visual loss or detached retinas.

Macular degeneration treatment options include contact lenses that refocus and magnify images to improve them, medications to reduce macula swelling, and slow further vision loss; your doctor can recommend appropriate drugs. Furthermore, regular checkups with your physician can detect early signs of macular degeneration so be sure to discuss any concerns with them if any arise.