Recognizing the signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision

By NorthCarolinaHealth.com writers. Not doctor reviewed. Read disclaimer.

Right now is the perfect time to review the signs and symptoms of these two common vision conditions: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision. By raising your own awareness -- and then taking proactive steps to protect your eyesight -- you can help preserve and safeguard your vision.

Age-related macular degeneration
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60, according to the National Eye Institute.

AMD affects the macula (located in the retina), which allows you to see sharp detail. There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet.

• Dry AMD -- cells in the macula breakdown, blurring vision.
• Wet AMD -- abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak blood and other fluids, which move the macula from its normal place. Damage occurs quickly; wet AMD is also called advanced AMD.

Signs of age-related macular degeneration
Dry AMD starts with blurred vision and can eventually progress to a blind spot in the center of the field of vision. The most common symptom of wet AMD is straight lines appearing wavy. Those with wet AMD may also experience a small blind spot.

Low vision
Do you have a hard time doing everyday tasks -- even with glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery? The problem may be what the National Eye Institute describes as "low vision."

Most people develop low vision because of eye disorders and conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes.

Signs of low vision
If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, it could be a sign of low vision:

• Trouble reading street signs
• Trouble doing things at home or work because the lights seem dimmer
• Trouble recognizing the faces of friends and family
• Trouble with close work such as reading, sewing or picking out matching clothes

If any of the symptoms of AMD or low vision occur, it's time to make an appointment with an eye care professional. It's important that these eye conditions be identified early; it can mean the difference between successful treatment and lost vision.

Protect your eye health now
You can never be too careful when it comes to vision health; don't wait for blurry or impaired vision before taking steps to protect your eyesight.

• Get your eyes checked. The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams according to the following schedule:
  • 18 years to 60 years: every 2 years
  • 61+ years: every year
  • Those who wear glasses or contacts: every year
    
    
• Good eats for good eyes. Studies have shown that nutrients found in colorful fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of eye problems.

A liver detoxification program that's nice and easy.

Anyone seeking optimal health should consider detoxification. Our bodies are an amazing machine, but like any other machine, they need a break from hard work every now and then. No matter how cleanly we eat, we are exposed to many more environmental toxins and food toxins than ever before.

The best advice I can give to anyone who undertakes a detox is to start slowly, with the intention of working positive habits into their daily life instead of severe, rigid ones. Rigid habits welcome failure because they are a dramatic deviation from your body's natural routine.

Detoxing is a complex game of biochemistry, as everyone is unique in genetic makeup, lifestyle and constitution. When the body sets used to "bad" foods such as caffeine, sugar or alcohol, our hormones and biochemistry change, making quitting those substances difficult. Working with our bodies instead of against them will begin to shift our biochemistry back to a manageable state, helping us to achieve our detox goals quickly and with lasting benefits.

"Add the good stuff in, and the bad stuff falls away"
The easiest path to a manageable state is to use the theory of overcrowding, or more simply, "add the good stuff in, and the bad stuff falls away." The easiest way to begin overcrowding is to drink 16 ounces of room temperature water with the juice of half a lemon upon waking. This will begin to activate internal organs, alkalize your body and assist in the elimination of excess acid (I suggest drinking more water if you feel tired or have a craving).

Next, eat breakfast containing healthy fat and protein within an hour of waking (even if you are not hungry). This will help to reset your metabolism and feed your adrenal glands. Great choices are: A smoothie with egg-white protein powder, ground flaxseed, frozen berries and almond milk, or a few eggs with whole grain, gluten-free toast and avocado. Remember, waking up hungry is a positive sign, while being turned off by food is a sign of a sluggish liver.

You will begin to crave healthier food
Another critical step is to incorporate at least two servings of leafy greens every day. Your system will rejoice in getting nutrients it has been deprived of, and a noticeable shift will occur: you will begin to crave healthier food. A serving of greens is one cup cooked, or two cups raw, and can include kale, collard greens, mustard greens, arugula, mixed field greens, bok choy or anything leafy.

Also, make certain you eat three servings of complex carbohydrates daily. Beans. whole grains like brown rice, and root vegetables like sweet potatoes are great examples. Complex carbohydrates will slow the release of glucose in your system while giving you the necessary B vitamins that daily stress and a poor diet take away. As a benefit, sugar cravings will also fall away.

If you want to accelerate a detox, consider these tips:

1. Drink warm lemon water throughout the day to cleanse your lymphatic system.
2. Eat beets to cleanse your digestive system, and use burdock root (roasted or sauteed) to cleanse the blood.
3. Greens, especially dandelion, will help to cleanse your liver.
4. Try eliminating dairy, wheat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and meat for one week.

Embrace these suggestions and you will enjoy all the benefits of a detoxification, like balanced weight, good energy, improved sleep and better moods. And don't forget to exercise and supplement with high-quality TriVita products. Happy Detoxing!

Detox Tip: "Adding one green drink a day is a terrific way to get your greens, counting as one serving. You can juice your own. I love the combination of celery, kale, parsley cucumber ginger lemon and green apple."

Excerpt from TriVita VitaJournal, March 2011. by Christa Orecchio, Clinical Nutritionist and Holistic Health Counselor

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