During a visit to your eye doctor , you may have been tested for macular degeneration. The macula is a small portion of the retina, the "recording film" in your eye. The macula provides the sharp, straight-ahead vision necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and close work like sewing. Changes to the macula do occur as you age, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Although this eye disease if fairly common among older people, typically occurring in persons over 60 years of age, it can develop in people who are only in their 40s.

What changes do you notice when the macula begins to degenerate? You might have difficulty doing things that require good central vision, seeing small print or even picking out details at a distance. The most common form of macular degeneration is the dry form, caused by the thinning of light-sensitive cells in the tissue of the macula. This condition develops slowly and results in mild vision loss initially.

A second type of macular degeneration, the wet form, is less common. In this type, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak fluid and blood. If the leaking continues, light-sensitive cells are killed and the nerve cells of the macula are permanently damaged.

The good news is that even persons whose vision is severely affected do not become completely blind, but retain enough vision to remain functional, mobile and independent. A number of low-vision aids are now available to help people who have severe cases of AMD.

How can you prevent macular degeneration? Vitamins such as C and E and beta-carotene, and minerals such as selenium and zinc are currently prescribed to prevent, slow down or even stop the rate of vision loss. Dosage should be regulated by your eye care specialist. Wearing glasses that block out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are also recommended. Tobacco use has been demonstrated to raise the likelihood of developing severe AMD, and this is one of many reasons to stop smoking, or to encourage a partner or loved one to do so.