Keep an Eye on Your Eyesight to Avoid Macular Degeneration

by Jean's Daughter
(Glen Allen, VA, USA)

Getting older means you have to deal with numerous ailments and maladies, but when you start to lose your eyesight, the rest of the problems seem to pale in comparison.

My elderly mother is suffering from severe arthritis, but she also has three different problems with her eyesight, including macular degeneration. This is in addition to glaucoma and an epiretinal membrane.

The glaucoma is under control thanks to daily eye drops, and there really isn't anything they can do about the epiretinal membrane. And unfortunately, there isn't much they can do to reverse the macular degeneration, either. All they can really do is try to keep it from getting worse.

My mom has the dry kind of macular degeneration. What happens in her case is that her central field of vision is starting to get obstructed. Glasses don't help, and there are no surgical procedures available.

She has been prescribed AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease) vitamins which contain a special combination of vitamins and supplements that have been shown to slow the progress of the disease. And she visits the ophthalmologist twice a year so he can keep close tabs on any changes in her vision.

I know that her vision is getting worse, because she has trouble recognizing faces. It is also becoming more difficult for her to read the papers or watch television.

I guess it is good that the deterioration is gradual, since she doesn't notice the day to day changes. But one day, she may wake up and find that she is living in a very dark world. That would be pretty terrible.

There isn't much you can do to prevent macular degeneration, but you can try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. And be aware of any changes in your vision.

If you notice anything different, make an appointment with your eye doctor right away. Protect your eyesight against Macular Degeneration and other eye diseases.