TZPSS Articles | Health | Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has two forms, the
more common "dry" form and the less common "wet" form.
The wet form is responsible for 10 percent of disease cases, but can
very quickly lead to blindness. While, the dry form is responsible for
90 percent of disease cases, it progresses more slowly.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms may include blurry or fuzzy vision, difficulty
recognizing familiar faces, 'wavy' straight lines, dark or empty area
appears in the center of vision and rapid loss of central vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) destroys central vision by
attacking macula (locates in the center of retina). Because only the
center of vision is affected, people rarely go blind from this disease.
However, AMD can make suffers difficult to read, drive, and play
sports, watching movies and television. In normal aging process,
yellowish waste deposits accumulate around the macula, but in
individuals with AMD, these yellowish waste deposits are larger and
more numerous.

What treatment is available?

Krypton laser photocoagulation is the possible treatment. [1,4]
Bevacizumab, pegaptanib sodium and ranibizumab may have shown
some effects on the disease. [4]

Are there any supplements or herbs for age-related macular
degeneration?
Herb / nutritional supplements for AMD include ginkgo biloba [2],
vitamins C and E, DHA in fish and fish oil, lutein and zeaxanthin [3, 5]

References
1.Zhang CF et al, Krypton laser photocoagulation at low power setting for
age-related macular degeneration complicated with subfoveal choroidal
neovascularization. Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi, 2004 Dec;40(12):808-11 2.
Evans JR. Ginkgo biloba extract for age-related macular degeneration,
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD001775 3. Bartlett H et al, An ideal
ocular nutritional supplement? Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2004
Jul;24(4):339-49. [4] Benyelles N. et al, Age-related macular degeneration.
Rev. Prat. 2006 Jun 15(11):1194-201. [5] Johnson EJ and Schaefer EJ.,
Potential role of dietary n-3 fatty acids in the prevention of dementia and
macular degeneration. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6 Suppl):14945-1498S.

This article can not be replaced for medical advice. If you have question, you
should consult with your doctor immediately. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2007

Health

TZPSS
science

Topics Front Page

Knowledge has power.

Age-Related Macular Degenerations (AMD)