About Macular Degeneration

There are no proven preventive medications for age-related macular degeneration.

• The best way to prevent vision loss is to get prompt examination and diagnosis by your ophthalmologist. The earlier you treat it, the better the chance that treatment will help.
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• People older than 45 years with a family history of age-related macular degeneration have a greater chance of developing the disease.
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• Using the Amsler grid may help detect subtle changes in your vision. You can monitor your vision daily by posting an Amsler grid on your refrigerator. If your mother or father or siblings have or had macular degeneration you should be tested with the new genetic test called Macula Risk® to determine your risk factors.
  
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• Ophthalmologists generally recommend that you stop smoking, eat a balanced diet that includes leafy green vegetables, and protect your eyes from sun exposure with sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) sunrays. It is a good preventive measure not to smoke. A literature review found a two- to threefold higher risk for developing age-related macular degeneration in smokers.
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• The Age-Related Eye Disease Study found that supplementation with antioxidants plus zinc decreased the likelihood of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration in some people.
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• Vision exams for those older than 65 years should include age-related macular degeneration screening.