Dr. Mont Cartwright specializes in the detection and treatment of macular degeneration in Kissimmee and Orlando.
What is Macular Degeneration?
It is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss. It generally affecting people 55 years of age and older, affecting over 10 million Americans. That is more than cataracts and glaucoma combined.
Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the center of the retina called the macula. The macula is the part of the retina, which is responsible for our central vision and our ability to see color and fine detail when looking directly at an object.
In the early stages of macular degeneration, there is little or no vision loss. As the disease advances, images can become blurred or distorted. A dark or empty area can appear in the center of the vision. Macular Degeneration does not cause total blindness because side vision is not affected. There is some good news related to macular degeneration. With regular check-ups, early diagnosis and new treatment options, doctors are now able to maintain visual acuity in most patients. Early detection can also improve vision in a significant number of patients suffering from this condition.
Clinical studies have also shown that taking the right combination of nutritional supplements can be beneficial in the fight against macular degeneration. One study has shown that multi-vitamins rich in nutrients called antioxidants, plus eye vitamins and minerals, can reduce the risk of progression of moderate to advanced macular degeneration. Vitamins C, E, and A are nutrients rich in antioxidants. They are most abundant in dark, green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, red foods such as peppers, and orange foods such as carrots. Clinical studies have shown that among patients most at risk, taking the prescribed combination of nutritional eye vitamin supplements can help preserve eye health and reduce the risk of having the disease progress to a more advanced stage.