What is Macular Degeneration? 

Macular disease covers a range of painless conditions affecting the central retina (the macula), which is at the back of the eye.  The macula is responsible for detailed central vision, that means you use it for activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces. It’s also responsible for most of your colour vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common forms of macular disease with approximately one in seven Australians over the age of 50 having some evidence of AMD.

Will I notice any symptoms of macular disease?

Conditions only affecting the macula don’t lead to total (‘black’) blindness. Instead, they impact central vision, leaving peripheral vision intact.

You can have early signs of macular disease without knowing it. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• difficulty with reading or any other activity which requires detailed central vision (despite wearing appropriate glasses)
• distortion, where straight lines may appear wavy or bent
• problems distinguishing faces
• dark patches in the central vision

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult an eye health professional. Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial to saving sight.

Apart from consulting my Optometrist, and having regular eye health checks, is there anything else I can do to help prevent / delay the onset of Macular Degeneration?

Eating a healthy, well balanced diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients can help keep your eyes healthy. Healthy eating for the macula includes:

• fish two to three times a week
• dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit daily
• a handful of nuts a week

Choose low glycaemic index (GI) carbohydrates and limit the intake of fats. High fibre, low GI carbohydrates and limited saturated fats are also good for people living with diabetes, and trying to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Important antioxidants for eye health include lutein and zeaxanthin - these are present in high concentrations in a healthy macula and help to protect your eyes. They are found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and silver beet, and to a lesser extent in other vegetables such as corn, yellow capsicum, peas, pumpkin and Brussels sprouts.  In addition, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium are important antioxidants for a healthy macula.

Salmon is a good source of protein and inflammation-reducing Omega-3 fatty acids. We try to have salmon every couple of weeks, and if we are entertaining I have found a delicious Salmon Wellington recipe, which is very tasty, and also incorporates baby spinach (leafy greens!). Tastes great served with steamed vegetables or a green leafy salad, and maybe a small glass of white (or 2)!