LIFESTYLE AND AMD
Today Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness is people over the age of 60. It has been called the new epidemic because more and more it is being diagnosed in more and younger patients. While the exact cause still eludes us, many of the risk factors for heart disease are the same for AMD. Below find a summary of the medical literature to help give guidance for protection from this coming epidemic.
RISK FACTORS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION,
| IF YOU HAVE: | YOUR RISK OF AMD IS: |
| Cerebrovascualr Disease (Stroke) | 4.64 times the average risk |
| Age 65-74 | 4.54 |
| Current Smoking | 2.8-5.4 |
| Body Mass Index (25-30kg/m2) | 2.35 |
| Total Cholesterol >6.75mmol/L | 2.3 |
| Age 55-65 | 2.13 |
| More than one child | 1.8 |
| Triglyceride >2.03mmol/L | 1.7 |
| Systolic Blood Pressure >155 | 1.7 |
| Hyperopia >+1.00 | 1.7 |
| Fibrinogen level >3.34g/L | 1.7 |
| History of vascular disease | 1.6 |
| Total Cholesterol >4.6-6.7 mmol/L | 1.5 |
| History of cigarette smoking | 1.5 |
| Former smoker | 1.5 |
| AVERAGE RISK | 1.0 |
PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
| IF YOU DO: | YOUR RISK OF AMD IS: |
| AVERAGE RISK | 1.00 |
| Average Physical Activity | 0.70 |
| Fruit Intake (3.5 servings/day) | 0.64 |
| Former Estrogen use in women | 0.60 |
| High intake of all carotenoids | 0.59 |
| Broccoli (4-5 times per week) | 0.50 |
| Greater than average physical activity | 0.50 |
| Lutein and Zeaxanthin (4-5 times/week) | 0.43 |
| Carotenoid levels >2.39 mmol/L | 0.40 |
| Current Estrogen use in women | 0.30 |
| Spinach (4-5 times/week) | 0.14 |
AREDS STUDY
A 25% less risk for AMD progression was found in a study of those taking a combination of:
Vitamin C - 500mg
Vitamin E - 400mg
Vitamin A -
Zinc - 30mg
Copper - 2mg
Most Ophthalmologists recommend taking the anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals recommended in the AREDS study which consist of Vitamins A,C,and E, and the minerals Zinc and Copper. More recent research finds that Folate, and Vitamins B-1, and B-12 are protective against AMD. The best recommendation presently would be to take a complete multi-vitamin, and eat as many fruits and vegetables (on the lutein and zeaxanthin list) and exercise regularly. Keep an ideal body weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
The above recommendations we all know but realizing this will protect our sight is one more incentive besides good health and appearance.
Some medical references:
- Dr. Jack Goldberg 1988
- Eye Disease Case Control Study Group 1993
- Dr. Johanna Seddan 1994
Arch Ophthalmol/Vol 121, June 2003 pp785-792
- Arch Ophthalmol/Vol 122, - 2004 pp883-892
- AREDS Study
Dr Budev is a board certified ophthalmic surgeon specializing in cataract and refractive surgery and glaucoma management. Dr Budev's interests in providing options for patients desiring spectacle independence have positioned him as one of the leading premium lens surgeons in the area.
Dr Vroman's clinical interests and responsibilities include refractive and cataract surgery, corneal transplantation and external diseases of the eye.He earned the Achievement Award from the Academy of Opthalmology in 2005 and has been voted among 'Best Doctors in America' since 2005.
Dr Neff is a board certified ophthalmic surgeon specializing in corneal and ocular surface disease, cataracts and refractive surgery. She has been recognized by "Best Doctors in America" and has been elected into several honor societies including Alpha Omega Alpha.
