Macular degeneration, the first alarm bells

In Italy about a million people suffer from it, some of whom do not even know they are dealing with a pathology.In fact, despite its wide diffusion, age-related macular degeneration is still little known and not everyone recognizes its first alarm bells.

Identifying them early is very important. On the one hand, in fact, the most common form of this eye disease (called “atrophic”) progresses slowly and by implementing appropriate strategies it is possible to slow down its worsening.

On the other hand, the rarer form (called “exudative”) tends to develop and worsen more rapidly, and therefore requires intervention as early as possible.

Early symptoms of the disorder

One of the first signs of a disorder of the macula – the structure of the eye affected by the disease – is the distorted vision of straight lines. The problem concerns the central part of the field of vision, where a spot may appear.

Often, moreover, we realize that something is wrong because we have difficulty reading, watching TV or driving. Sometimes there is a need for more light and it is difficult to adapt to environments with soft lighting and even recognizing faces can become difficult.

When to run for cover

The problem, initially limited to tasks that require fixing a point, is likely to progress as central vision and color perception worsen.

For this reason, in the event that you notice changes in the central part of the visual field or in the ability to distinguish colors and details, it is important to contact the ophthalmologist, especially after the age of 50, when the risk of macular degeneration increases.

It will be the doctor, depending on the type of problem and its severity, to determine whether or not it is necessary to start a specific therapy immediately. What is certain is that once the problem is recognized, it is necessary to act on lifestyle to slow down the progression of the disease.

Simple daily tricks

The first step to take is in the field of nutrition. Those suffering from macular degeneration must eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, rich in molecules that can counteract the oxidation that contributes to the disease.

Fish rich in omega 3, such as salmon or sardines, are also useful. Instead, saturated fats should be limited.

It should also not be forgotten that ultraviolet rays and blue light can accelerate the development of the disease.

For this reason, in the open air it is good to wear sunglasses suitable to limit as much as possible the exposure of the eyes to the sun’s rays.