General OverviewVision is the process of converting light into the images that the brain can understand. Our eyes have the marvelous ability to do this complex task. () and are leading causes of blindness in the world. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive degenerative disease affecting the center of the retina of the eye, which is called the macula. AMD is the leading cause of a loss of vision in elderly people. Macular degeneration decreases central vision. People who have age-related macular degeneration have problems reading, driving and performing daily activities that require clear central vision. There is currently no known cure for macular degeneration. Some of the factors that increase your risk of having AMD include advancing age, family history, being female, being Caucasian, smoking, drinking alcohol, excessive exposure to the sun and diseases of the heart and blood vessels such as high blood pressure, etc.  Cataracts result from opaque or translucent areas in the lens of your eye that prevent the rays of light from passing through, which can cause blurred vision. Cataracts are one of the main causes of blindness worldwide. The factors mentioned as increasing your risk for AMD such as smoking, diet, sun exposure and age are also involved in cataracts. Although cataracts can be treated surgically by replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens, the procedure is costly and not available in all parts of the world. This means that prevention is all the more important when dealing with this common eye disease that causes a loss of the ability to see and with it a loss of function.
Since many of the factors mentioned are under your control and related to your lifestyle, there really is a great deal you can do to keep AMD or cataracts from becoming a problem in your life. Begin early with your prevention program and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your efforts with good eyesight and health in your later years. Consider it a great investment in yourself!
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