Did you know that Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision impairment? It’s just one of several conditions that can affect your macula, the part of your eye responsible for your sharpest, most detailed vision.
The macula provides about 90% of your eye’s clearest vision, helping you focus on tasks like reading, driving, or recognising a familiar face. Understanding macular risk factors and making informed choices about your eye health can help protect your vision.
What is the Macula?
The macula is a small area located in the centre of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. At the core of the macula is the fovea, a tiny spot packed with cone cells responsible for sharp, detailed, and colour-rich vision—allowing you to see around 10 million colours!
When light enters your eye, it passes through the cornea and lens, focusing directly on the macula. Here, the cone cells convert light into messages sent via the optic nerve to your brain, which processes these signals into the clear, vibrant images you see.
Macular Risk Factors
Several factors can affect macular health and increase your risk of developing macular conditions:
- Age: As you age, your risk for macular diseases rises, particularly from age 50 onwards. By age 65, the risk is even higher. Ageing reduces cone cells and weakens the blood vessels that nourish the macula.
- Genetics: Family history plays a role. If macular conditions run in your family, you may inherit the risk. Specific genes, such as ARMS2 and CFH, are linked to AMD.
- Health Conditions & Medications: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the retina’s blood vessels. Some medications, particularly those for cancer or autoimmune diseases, may also affect macular health.
- Eye Injuries: Sports-related injuries can damage the macula, causing holes or tears.
Common Macular Diseases
1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):
AMD affects about 14% of New Zealanders over 50. It often develops slowly, without early symptoms, but can eventually lead to significant vision loss.
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- Dry AMD: More common and progresses slowly. Drusen (tiny deposits) build up, causing blurry vision and difficulty seeing in low light.
- Wet AMD: Less common but more severe. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak, leading to rapid vision loss. Straight lines may appear wavy, or dark spots may develop in central vision.
2. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME):
High blood sugar from diabetes can damage retinal blood vessels, causing fluid buildup and macular swelling. This blurs central vision, making it hard to see details.
3. Macular Hole:
A macular hole is a small tear in the macula, often affecting people over 60. It usually occurs when the eye’s vitreous gel pulls on the macula. Symptoms include blurry or distorted central vision.
4. Macular Dystrophy:
A rare, inherited condition that causes gradual vision loss, sometimes appearing in childhood. Types include:
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- Stargardt Disease: Common in young people, causing progressive vision loss.
- Best Disease: Develops in younger years with slow progression.
- Pattern Dystrophy: Affects macular appearance and function, usually in adulthood.
How to Protect Your Macular Health
1. Sun Protection: Prolonged UV exposure can damage the macula. Wear high-quality sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes.
2. Healthy Diet & Supplements: Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants found in dark leafy greens) help protect the macula. Supplements can be helpful if your diet lacks these nutrients.
3. Quit Smoking: Smoking releases toxins that damage eye cells and reduce blood flow to the macula, increasing the risk of AMD.
4. Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye exams, especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of eye diseases, are crucial. Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness, dark spots, or distortion, warrant immediate attention.
At Vision Centre, we use advanced technology like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to safely and non-invasively examine your macula in detail. Our optometrists can detect early signs of macular diseases and guide you on protective measures.
Ready to prioritise your eye health? Book a personalised eye exam with Vision Centre today and keep your vision sharp for the future!
