Health News For Champlain


Friday, February 28, 2014
Comfort Keepers
Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Ottawa, February 28, 2014 – AMD is a progressive eye condition that attacks the macula of the eye. The macula is a small part at the center of the retina that we rely on to read fine print and similar tasks. Seniors in their 60s and 70s are at higher risk for developing AMD.

“We want seniors to know that AMD can cause devastating vision loss,” said John Kelly, Comfort Keepers franchise owner in Ottawa. “But there are steps they can take to help prevent it.”

Kelly explained there are two types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. “According to Retina International, dry AMD makes up about 90% of the cases of AMD, while wet AMD—a more serious condition—accounts for about 10%,” he said.

“Two very important facts about AMD are that there is strong evidence that it has a genetic component, and that it does not have pain as a warning sign,” said Kelly. “It is critical that seniors have regular eye check-ups, and alert their doctor if anyone in the family has or has had AMD, especially a first degree relative.”
He explained that people with AMD develop drusen, yellow deposits that build up on the macula. Others might have drusen without having AMD, but they are at higher risk for developing it.

“The wet form of AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels within the portion of the macula known as choroid,” said Kelly. “The result is protein and blood leakage, and eventual scarring, and that can often lead to visual distortions and severe vision loss.”

He stressed that many seniors might think AMD is related to cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and/or glaucoma, but these conditions are not related nor do they impact the development or severity of AMD.

Kelly said there is some good news: “Most people with AMD retain some peripheral vision and can learn to compensate for their loss of vision by optimizing the vision they do retain.”

He offers seniors these healthy habits that can help prevent AMD:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Improve their diet by eating dark leafy green vegetables, such as spinach; increasing their intake of fish; and consuming nuts and fruits daily. Doctors also recommend reducing refined carbohydrates.
  • Add supplements to their diet, including a multivitamin/multimineral supplement such as Centrum Silver® (they should ask their doctors for a recommendation), and a fish oil supplement if their diet is lacks sufficient fish protein (an enteric-coated fish oil does not have a fishy aftertaste or cause belching).
  • Get plenty of exercise.
  • Keep their cholesterol, blood pressure and weight all in check.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors that block UV and blue-ray light, the type of sunlight that may cause eye damage
  • Get regular eye exams.

According to Kelly, there are some treatments for AMD, but it does not have a cure. Those who already have it should check with their doctors about adding an Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formula vitamin supplement to their diets.

About Comfort Keepers Ottawa
Since 2005, Comfort Keepers Ottawa (http://ottawa.comfortkeepers.ca) has provided home care that makes a difference in the lives of seniors and other adults. Comfort Keepers’ customized and personalized services are not only available in private homes, but also in retirement homes, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and hospitals. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist as needed with companion care, homemaking, personal support services and safety technology solutions.

Comfort Keepers is available to speak on a variety of topics related to seniors’ care and independent living.


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