Philip Jones Opticians

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

A.M.D. Risk Factors

  • Low macular pigment density
  • A family history of AMD
  • Smoking
  • Increasing age
  • Obesity
  • High Cholesterol
  • High blood Pressure
  • Light coloured eyes
  • Gender (women at greater risk)

Green, leafy, vegetables and brightly coloured fruit can help protect your eyes

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the world today, currently affecting more than 30 million people worldwide. AMD is the degeneration of the macula, the portion of the eye that is responsible for crisp straight ahead vision, Peripheral vision is generally maintained but AMD is the primary cause of central vision loss.

There is no treatment for Macular Degeneration, While macular degeneration affects approximately 27% of the worldwide population over the age of 55, physiological changes can be detected at a much earlier age. Early detection of one of the major risk factors and monitoring its status are critical to preserving vision.

Detection of Macular Protective Pigment (MPP)

is vital to preserving vision in many ways. As a filter it blocks high energy blue wavelengths of light that cause photochemical damage. It also has potent anti-oxidative properties, which eliminate cell-damaging free radicals. It is important to note that damage to the delicate retinal tissue is both permanent and cumulative over a lifetime, so an adequate MPP layer is a necessity.

The Macuscope

The Macuscope performs a painless non-invasive test which requires no dilation, and is able to measure and track MPP changes in the macula. This allows eye care professionals to place patients into one of three categories: high risk, average or low risk for the potential of developing AMD.

Treatment

Treatment For those patients at high risk (Low MPP) we recommend a treatment program using ocular supplements to re-pigment the macula. Research has proven that treatment with specific ocular supplements can increase MPP within six months - see MacuShield™ carotenoid eye supplements.

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For more information on Age Related Macular Degeneration
visit the RNIB website or the Macular Disease Society website