Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of partial blindness in the United States. In the United States, It is the leading cause of severe loss of vision, even legal blindness, in people over 65 and affects about 6 percent of Americans between the ages of 65 and 75, and accounts for 14 percent of all new cases of blindness, with 16,000 cases reported annually. Although the actual causes have not yet been determined, some scientists say that it can be prevented by avoiding frequent exposure to sunlight and by stopping smoking.
Eating lots of green vegetables and carrots as part of a well balanced diet is very beneficial for the eye but these do not always prevent macular degeneration. As a result lots of doctors suggest vitamin supplements to patients above 50 to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein is the substance that deters macular degeneration more effectively and although abundant in leafy green vegetables, lutein cannot easily be extracted and purified. However, it is now commonly found in many vitamin pills. Even though for younger people the lutein is generated naturally, as one grows older it slows, and eventually stops being produced naturally. As a result, supplements are required in addition to balanced diets.
Another way of preventing AMD is by checking the development of drusen in the eye. As there is no effective treatment, preventive measures are required to keep it in check. Preventive measures include non smoking, exercising and maintaining the maximum possible blood flow to the back of the eye. Minimizing the amount of sunlight that strikes the retina is another way of preventing AMD.
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