Donnie Rhett Koonce served as an ophthalmic technician at Charlotte Optometric Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Performing several kinds of vision tests, Donnie Rhett Koonce made scans to determine the health of the retina, which is the layer of cells in the back of the eyeball that transmits images to the brain.
Almost 20 million Americans have their retinas damaged by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Affecting the macula (the middle part of the retina that enables straight forward vision), AMD causes symptoms such as degraded central vision, distortions of straight lines, and a large blurred or blind spot. Other signs include poor adaptation to dim light, needing more light for close-up work, and blurred printed words. AMD can start in one eye first or both simultaneously. It is most common in patients over 55.
AMD has two types: dry and wet. In dry AMD, protein deposits known as drusen thin the retina. Creating worse vision loss, wet AMD is caused by swollen blood vessels beneath retina’s surface.
The exact causes of AMD are unknown, although a family history increases one’s risk. Smoking doubles the risk, as does living in an air-polluted environment or having a cardiovascular disease. Obesity and diets that contain saturated fat, high cholesterol, and few antioxidants may also increase chances. Caucasians are more likely to have AMD than Latinos and people who are black.
AMD is incurable. However, studies suggest that certain kinds of drusen in dry AMD can be treated with nutritional supplements. Foods such as fish, yellow vegetables and fruits, and dark leafy greens may also be beneficial. Consult an eye doctor for the best information.
