Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes you to lose your central vision. This can keep your eye from being able to focus on an object and telling your brain what it sees. Luckily, there are ways to decrease your chances of developing this eye condition. Scroll down to Step 1 to learn more.
Step One
Know the Signs of Macular Degeneration – Take note of vision changes that could point to macular degeneration, including blurry words on a page, gradual color loss, a dark or empty area in the middle of your vision or distortion of straight lines.
Step Two
See an ophthalmologist immediately if you notice changes in your vision.Visit an eye doctor regularly for vision screenings.
Step Three
Consult an Ophthalmologist – Look at an Amsler chart, which resembles graph paper, to detect wavy lines or abnormalities in your vision. The doctor may also view your maculae with an ophthalmoscope or take photos of your eye to find abnormal blood vessels under the retina.
Step Four
Question your doctor about ongoing research on women, estrogen therapy and macular degeneration if you are female. Two studies show women have twice the incidence of the disease as men, suggesting estrogen loss may be a factor.
Step Five
Ask your doctor whether you should take antioxidant vitamin therapy if she feels you are at high risk for advanced macular disease. Studies show that high-risk people lowered their risk by 25 percent by taking high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and zinc.
Step Six
Check Your Eyes Daily at Home – Print out the Amsler grid from the Medem website, or ask your ophthalmologist to give you one.Put the grid on your refrigerator or another place where you will see it every day.
Step Seven
Wear your reading glasses and stand 12 to 15 inches away from the grid in good light.Cover one eye.
Step Eight
Look at whether the lines are all straight or if any areas appear blurred, distorted or darker with the uncovered eye.
Step Nine
Repeat the steps with the other eye.
Step Ten
See your ophthalmologist immediately if you notice any blurred, wavy or dark areas of the grid.