Broadly speaking, there are two types of macular degeneration or AMD, usually referred to as “wet” and “dry”. This is not a description of what the eye feels like but what the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can see when looking at the macula.

“Dry” AMD is the most common form of the condition. It develops very slowly causing gradual loss of central vision. Many people find that vision slowly deteriorates by gradual central blurring, and that the colours fade away like the colours fading in an old photograph. There is no medical treatment for this type. However, aids such as magnifiers can be helpful with reading and other small detailed tasks.

“Wet” AMD results in new blood vessels growing behind the retina, this causes bleeding and scarring, which can lead to sight loss. “Wet” AMD can develop quickly and sometimes responds to treatment in the early stages. It accounts for about 10 per cent of all people with AMD.

Both “wet” and “dry” AMD usually involve both eyes, although one may be affected long before the other. This sometimes makes the condition difficult to notice at first because the sight in the “good” eye is compensating for the loss of sight in the affected eye. You cannot wear out your sight, so do not be afraid to continue to use the “good” eye as normal.

And now the good news

AMD is not painful, and almost never leads to total blindness. It is the most common cause of poor sight in people over 60 but very rarely leads to complete sight loss because only the central vision is affected. This means that almost everyone with AMD will have enough side (or peripheral) vision to get around and keep his or her independence.

Symptoms of AMD

In the early stages your central vision may be blurred or distorted, with objects looking an unusual size or shape and straight lines appearing wavy or fuzzy. This may happen quickly or develop over several months. You may be very sensitive to light or actually see lights, shapes and colours that are not there. This may cause occasional discomfort. AMD is not painful.

Because AMD affects the centre of the retina, people with the advanced condition will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight. This makes reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over 50 years of age, affecting an estimated 500,000 people in the UK. Of 976 patients aged 75 and over with loss of vision in one eye, the main medical causes were AMD (53%) and cataract (36%). Those who suffer its blinding effects lose their central vision, which is needed for reading, driving, and every day activities. The most important confirmed risk factors are.

• INCREASING AGE
• GENDER  – Women seem more likely to develop macular degeneration than men.
• A FAMILY HISTORY OF AMD
• LOW MACULAR PIGMENT LEVELS
• SMOKING
• OBESITY
• HIGH CHOLESTEROL
• HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
• SUNLIGHT – Some research suggests that lifetime exposure to sunlight may affect the retina. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
• NUTRITION – Research suggests some vitamins and minerals can help protect against AMD.

With new scientific research, there is compelling evidence that people with low pigment levels are at risk later in life. It has been advised that people have their macula pigment levels checked from the age of 30 years onwards. Any protection that macula pigment may provide against AMD will need to be exerted in the middle years of life because protective macula pigment depletes with age.

The pigment is made up of 3 dietary components, known as lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Macula pigment is yellow in colour and therefore absorbs high-energy blue wavelength light. Lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants and therefore protect against the damage caused by free radical oxidisation, so it is perhaps unsurprising that this pigment protects the central macula from the ageing process.

Why is Meso-Zeaxanthin so vital?

Meso-zeaxanthin is the 3rd component of the macula pigment and is only found at the very centre of the macula where vision is sharpest. Meso-zeaxanthin is obtained by the conversion of lutein to meso-zeaxanthin in the macula. It is not found in a typical diet. Meso-zeaxanthin is being recognised as a more powerful neutraliser of free radicals and protector of the central macula than lutein or zeaxanthin.

Supplementation with meso-zeaxanthin will ensure that this component of macular pigment accumulates at the target tissue (i.e. the central macula) in a way not dependent on an enzyme to convert lutein to meso-zeaxanthin. Indeed, such an enzyme may be lacking in some individuals.