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Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), is an eye disease that affects the part of the retina responsible for a patient's central vision. In macular degeneration, the outer-most layer of the retina, known as the retinal pigment epithelium, becomes damaged, and deposits begin to form within the macula. Over time, these deposits can cause vision loss, distortion of vision, or very blurred vision. There are two primary categories of macular degeneration: dry (or non-exudative) ARMD and wet (or exudative) ARMD. The "wet" form involves bleeding in the outer-most layer of the retina and may extend forward.

Inherent risk factors for macular degeneration include age (usually older than 55 years), family history, cardiovascular disease, and certain racial predilection. Modifiable risk factors include a history of smoking, UV exposure, and obesity. It has been determined that smoking increases one's risk by 2-5x.

Because patients are generally asymptomatic when deposits begin to form, it is important to have an annual routine eye exam by your optometrist.During the exam, your doctor may dilate your eyes or take a retinal photo to examine the retinal health, check your vision, and perform an OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan of the macula to monitor for the deposits.Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor may follow-up in 4-6 months, annually, or refer to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation or treatment.

Patients diagnosed with the dry form of macular degeneration must take a special formulation of eye vitamins, known as AREDs 2 vitamins. Once diagnosed with the wet form of macular degeneration, patients must be followed by ophthalmologists, receiving eye injections to stop the bleeding.

For prevention of macular degeneration, is it imperative to keep the macular pigment healthy by eating green leafy vegetables and eye vitamins such as Macuhealth, available at both office locations. The key ingredients in Macuhealth have been found to restore macular pigment to optimum levels and prevent damage. Because of the harmful oxidative nature of UV light and blue light, it is important to wear polarized sunglasses outdoors, and bluelight blocking glasses when looking at any electronics for prolonged