Also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the disease is a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older, according to the National Eye Institute. More than 10 million Americans are affected by the disease, making it more prevalent than cataracts and glaucoma combined, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
The condition causes the macula, a part of the back of the eye near the retina, to deteriorate. While it doesn’t impact peripheral vision, macular degeneration can affect how well a person sees what’s right in front of them — like a beautiful view of the beach on a tropical getaway.
“People with macular degeneration will experience a gradual loss of clarity, particularly when they’re looking at people’s faces or reading words on the TV. It causes a dark spot in the center of their vision,” said Samuel Pierce, OD, president of the American Optometric Association.
“It’ll also cause distortion in the vision where if you look at window blinds, you’ll see waves.”
There are two types of macular degeneration: atrophic, also known as dry AMD, and neovascular, or wet AMD. Dry makes up around 85 to 90 percent of all AMD cases. It causes small yellow deposits called drusen to form under the macula, which eventually leads to central vision loss.
“Wet macular degeneration causes unstable blood vessels to grow in the layers of the retina and leak blood, lipids, and serum. Scar tissue then develops and kills the photo receptors, which then causes vision in that area to go away,” said Pierce.
Wear sunglasses. “The sun-related diseases people develop are not related to the vacation they had last week,” said Krauss. “They’re related to the vacation they had 40 years ago. Whether it causes macular degeneration, aging of the skin or cancer, sun exposure is a cumulative thing over a long period of time and needs to be limited.” Look for sunglasses that offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and be sure to wear them when you’re outdoors.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat can be beneficial at keeping some sunlight out of your eyes, said Pierce. It also has the added advantage of shading your skin from damaging UV rays.
Don’t smoke. People who occasionally smoke at home may be tempted to light up a cigarette when they’re on spring break. But if you’re trying to take care of your eyes and your overall health, resist the urge to smoke on vacation — or ever.
Eat a nutritious diet. “A heart-healthy diet rich in antioxidants can support the eye. Eat leafy vegetables high in lutein, like spinach,” said Pierce.
Keep up with your medication. If you take medication to manage your blood pressure or cholesterol levels, don’t forget to pack it in your suitcase. “Managing heart conditions can help reduce your risk of macular degeneration,” said Pierce.
Exercise. Incorporate some physical activities in your spring break itinerary. It can help keep your weight at a healthy level, which subsequently helps maintain normal blood pressure and reduces the risk of macular degeneration.
Test yourself. A portable vision test from the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan can help you check for signs of macular degeneration, whether you’re at home or lounging by a resort pool. Stare at the paper grid. If you notice that the lines get wavy or your vision becomes darker, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out.
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