As the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the eye gets older, a number of changes happen in your eye:
1. Loss of melanin
2. More lipofuscin in the RPE layer. Lipofuscin are chemical by-products.
3. More drusen, which are yellow, lipid deposits, between the RPE and the choroid (the layer of blood vessels that supply nutrients to the retina).
4. These changes can also affect your vision.
What you can do to PREVENT further changes and effects on vision:
1. For beginning macular pigment changes and/or dry macular degeneration, it is important to get more lutein and zeaxanthin into your diet.
2. Stop smoking!
3. Healthy lifestyle: diet and exercise
4. Check your central vision with the Amsler grid. Call our office right away if you see changes!
5. Fundus photos and OCT testing to monitor for changes.
6. Blue light emitted from computer screens, tablets, and smartphones can increase the risk for macular degeneration. Ask about blue light blocking coatings, such as Recharge, for your eyeglasses.
7. Wet macular degeneration requires evaluation and treatment by a retinal surgeon. Dr. Shin will make the referral, if necessary.
Los Alamos Family Eyecare, P.C. 