Age related macular degeneration - modern diagnostic and therapeutic preventive approach

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that alows seeing of fine details. AMD occurs in two form: dry and wet. In dry AMD, the light sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. As fewer cells in the macula are able to function, people will see details less clearly in front of them, such as faces or words in book. Dry AMD often occurs in just one eye at first. Later the other eye can be affected. The most common early sign is blurred vision. The dry form is much more common. More than 85 % of all people have thy dry form. Once dry AMD reaches the advanced stage, no form of treatment can prevent vision loss. The National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduces the risk of advanced AMD and it's associated vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly. With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. The classic early symptom is that straight lines appear crooked..