Age Related Macular Degeneration has been in the news again this week, after reports that Judi Dench is a sufferer. Publicity for this eye disease is always welcome, as early detection of signs and possible preventative action is important. ARMD is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world, and as our population ages the statistics will rise. Although there is no known cure at present, there are therapies and advice that can help.

There are two forms of ARMD – wet and dry. The wet form is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment if permanent sight loss is to be prevented. There is treatment that can help if sufferers are caught early. The dry form develops more slowly, and there is no cure at present, although research is ongoing. The latter is the most common form of the disease. Both types are a result of cells dying in and around the macula, a tiny area of the retina that’s responsible for detailed vision. Dry ARMD arises because debris from the dying cells builds up and causes problems with sight. Wet ARMD is more dramatic as blood vessels that form around the macula suddenly rupture, and the flooding of fluid damages the delicate tissues and destroys sight.

You can prevent your risk of the disease by giving up smoking, eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, taking moderate exercise, and wearing lenses with full UV protection, even on overcast days. Unfortunately genetics also play a part, so be extra vigilant with check ups if a family member has a history of ARMD. Regular eye examinations, with retinal imaging, will pick up early signs before you notice any symptoms. There are supplements available that provide anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals to help to protect the retina. If you have light coloured eyes, or have several risk factors, supplements may help you. Your GP, consultant or optician will be able to offer advice.

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At present Age Related Macular Degeneration is the commonest cause of blindness in old age in developing countries. Across Europe alone there are over 12 million patients. At the moment there is no cure for the commonest ‘dry’ form, so research into possible risk factors is valuable in trying to reduce our likelihood of suffering this disease. ARMD leads to retinal damage, destroying your central vision and making it difficult to recognise faces and see fine detail. Glasses will not help to restore sight once it is lost.

Three definite risk factors have been proven over the past few years – family history, age, and smoking – with only the latter being an avoidable choice. Stopping smoking will immediately reduce your risk, although obviously this is less effective in an older person. Recent research has looked at other risk factors which can be managed by the patient, to help prevent the disease.

Our diets have always been under scrutiny in examining which vitamins and minerals may protect the retina. Free radical damage is a cause of ARMD, and anti-oxidants in our diet can help to protect against this. You can up your intake of green leafy vegetables and a selection of coloured veg, or take a supplement to ensure you are consuming enough to protect your retina. Look for one with high levels of Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso- Zeaxanthin.

Lifestyle factors such as taking moderate exercise, maintaining low cholesterol levels and lower BMIs also reduce your risk. Wearing 100% UV protection sunglasses also prevents retinal damage, which is of particular importance if you have light coloured eyes – blue or pale green or grey. You have less natural protection with these eye colours than those with darker eyes. Even on days when there is cloud cover UV can burn through, so make sure you wear UV protection if you’re spending half to all the day outdoors.

As we’re living longer the diseases of old age will take their toll on our extended lifespan. Doing all we can to reduce our risks will benefit sufferers and the health systems required to support them.

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