What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that progressively deteriorates vision. The fact that people with macular degeneration experience progressively worsening vision and are less able to distinguish details is due to the gradual death of the light-sensitive cells in their retinas. Most of these cells, the "cones," are located in the central part of the retina, the macula lutea. Eventually, the central portion of the visual field disappears completely: a "gray spot" appears (which can be any shade of gray or even black).

Symptoms of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is often associated with the following complaints:

• Less sharp vision
• Seeing a blurry, dark spot
• The perception of contrasts decreases
• The blurred perception of colors
• Seeing straight lines as crooked

What causes macular degeneration?

• Heredity
• Smoking: People who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day are five times more likely to develop macular degeneration than those who don't. This is because smoking breaks down antioxidants in the eye.
• Age: Macular degeneration mainly occurs in people over 50 years of age.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop macular degeneration than men.
• Low macular pigment level
• Unhealthy food
• Overweight
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

Treatment of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration cannot be cured. However, preventative measures are now available. Oogwereld uses a Macuscope (special eye equipment) to uniquely measure macular pigment, allowing us to determine if someone is at increased risk for macular degeneration. Fortunately, there is a nutritional supplement that helps maintain vision. We'd be happy to discuss this with you in the store.

We are here for you

Are you experiencing symptoms consistent with macular degeneration? Contact one of our stores near you.

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