Science & ResearchLatest Questions and Answers I was diagnosed with macular degeneration about 5 years ago when I was 38 years old. I also have very dry eyes, which are not problematic. My doctor is very concerned about this and is placing plugs in my eyes. He said the dryness could be making my macular degeneration worse. Is that true? [ 06/03/09 ]
Dry eyes can contribute to make your vision worse, but the condition does not have any direct effect on the progression of macular degeneration. If you are having difficulty with blurry vision, your doctor is likely trying to help you optimize your vision by treating your dry eyes. I have read in various health newsletters that white potatoes have a very high glycemic index and can contribute to macular degeneration. But your website actually lists them as a food that contains high levels of vitamin C, which may help protect the eye. I love baked potatoes (with the skin), so I would really appreciate it if you can clear up conflicting information regarding white potatoes and macular degeneration. [ 05/20/09 ]
There are a few studies suggesting that eating foods with a high glycemic index may be associated with a higher risk of dry macular degeneration. Although this has not been proven in a prospective trial, a high dietary glycemic index has also been linked to a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, for your overall health, it would be reasonable to consume these foods in moderation. If you are going to eat a white potato, you may want to combine that with foods that have a low glycemic index, which will have an impact on the overall “glycemic load” for the entire meal. I am an ex-smoker with dry macular degeneration. I was told to take vitamins that have lutein instead of vitamin A because ex-smokers have an increased chance of developing lung cancer if they take large amounts of beta carotene. However, in the April issue of the Journal of Epidemiology there is a study claiming that lutein supplements increase the risk of lung cancer in ex-smokers two-fold. Do you have any suggestions about vitamins for ex-smokers with macular degeneration? [ 05/20/09 ]
This is fairly new clinical evidence, and has only been reported in one study thus far. Other studies actually suggest that lutein, at least in natural, non-supplement form, is associated with a lower risk of lung cancer. Currently, the smoker's AREDS formulation for macular degeneration contains lutein instead of beta carotene, as the latter has been proven in multiple studies to be associated with a higher risk of lung cancer in smokers. Since clinical evidence is contradictory at this point, you should ask your doctor for advice specific to your situation. I have read that there have been research studies in Germany using stem cells to correct macular degeneration. Is this true? Why would this not work for retinitis pigmentosa and other eye diseases involving the retina? [ 05/20/09 ]
This is true. Not only is research being conducted in Germany, but scientists worldwide are exploring the use of stem cells in treating diseases such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases. I am an 83-year-old man. My optometrist told me that I am at risk to develop macular degeneration in my right eye and advised me to put a drop in my eye every day before going to bed. Although my vision is not as good as it was a few years earlier, it seems fine now for someone my age. I would like to know what principal symptoms of macular degeneration are and what I need to do to prevent or to slow down the progression of this disease. [ 05/20/09 ]
I am not sure what type of eye drop your optometrist recommended to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. The principal symptom of dry macular degeneration is decreased clarity of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses. However, this is also a common symptom due to the development of cataracts. In order to differentiate between the two conditions and other causes of decreased visual acuity, you need a full dilated eye exam. The symptoms of wet macular degeneration are metamorphopsia (or distorted vision, i.e. straight lines appearing wavy) and a sudden dramatic decrease in vision that can be related to bleeding from abnormal blood vessels underneath the retina. Doctors recommend that patients with dry macular degeneration monitor for the above signs by using an Amsler grid. If you develop dry macular degeneration, the AREDS vitamin formulation has been shown to decrease the risk of progression to wet macular degeneration. Ask your doctor for more information regarding the Amsler grid or AREDS vitamins. My mother is almost 91 and has wet macular degeneration in one eye and the dry form of the disease in the other eye. She is now seeing pink and blue flowers when she tries to look at something up close like a prescription bottle or TV guide. This is really bothering her, so she went to the doctor. He said that it was the brain trying to fill in blind spots. Is there anything we (4 siblings) can do to help her cope with this? Thanks for any help you can give. [ 05/20/09 ]
The best recommendation is to take your mother to a low vision specialist. Low vision centers specialize in finding means to assist persons who have reduced vision with their day-to-day activities. They can provide advice on that will help your mother cope with situations like the one that that you described above. The National Eye Institute also has a website that provides a wealth of information and resources on living with low vision. I was just diagnosed with early-stage macular degeneration. I had breast cancer 8 years ago when I was 48 years old and developed forced menopause from 12 treatments of chemotherapy. Could the early menopause or chemotherapy have caused macular degeneration? [ 05/20/09 ]
As far as we know, early menopause or chemotherapy have not been associated with a higher risk of macular degeneration. Are there any studies that have explored the effect of long-term exposure to televisions or LCD screens on children who developed Stargardt's disease at an early age? Also, does computer use increase their risk of getting radiation from the screens? [ 05/06/09 ]
To my knowledge, there have been no scientific studies that have explored the effect of long-term exposure to TVs or LCD screens on children with Stargardt's disease. In general, watching television or using a computer for prolonged periods is not thought to damage the eye. At best, prolonged use of these objects is believed to contribute to what is known as eye strain or tired eye, which does not affect a person's vision. Many individuals with Stargardt's disease and other forms of macular degeneration continue to enjoy using computers and watching televisions as part of their daily routine. In fact, low vision specialist can match patients with the appropriate devices necessary for reducing glare, increasing print size, managing color/contrast, so that viewing computer and/or television monitors can be more comfortable for the patient. Concerning screen radiation, TV screens and computer monitors are not thought to give off any substantial amount of measurable radiation. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health carefully sets and monitors these emission standards. Search for a Question
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is a public service of the American Health Assistance Foundation, and should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Although we take efforts to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice; all medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any medical product or therapy. Some of the content in this section is adapted from other sources, which are clearly identified within each individual item of information. Last Reviewed On: 09/11/09 |
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