Are you at risk for macular degeneration?

We need to pay attention to our eyes. It is believed that nearly half of Americans have low macular pigment optical density which is a possible risk fact for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition gradually destroys sharp, central vision and affects reading and watching TV among other things. People over the age of 60 are in the greatest risk group. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula break down. This accounts for about 90 % of the cases. Wet AMD is caused when new blood vessels grow under the retina and then bleed or leak damaging the macula. 90% of all AMD blindness is caused by this type. Prevention includes proper diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin found readily in spinach and kale. Flavonoid carotenoids found in goji berry, spinach and ginkgo biloba hae good active levels of these phytocompounds. Along with lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, omega-3s and bilbery extract are among the extracts that have been utilized in supporting vision health. Dr. Michael Geiger has written a good little book called Eye Care Naturally. It is available on amazon.com and gives you good information on combatting not only AMD but cataracts and other eye conditions that we may face as we age.