Starcze zwyrodnienie plamki - czy możemy zapobiec progresji choroby? Age-related macular degeneration - are we able to prevent progression of the disease?

Aside from cataract, age macular degeneration (AMD) constitutes the most frequent ophthalmological problem in the population of individuals older than 50 years of age. It is estimated that every tenth person aged between 65 and 75 years suffers from visual impairment that developed secondarily to AMD. Progressively blurred and deformed vision results from damage to the central part of the retina which is responsible for visual acuity. The changes are usually irreversible, and progression of the disease eventually leads to permanent loss of central vision (blindness). As AMD affects older persons who frequently suffer from multiple comorbidities, the loss of central vision is frequently associated with incapability of independent functioning. In this paper, we present current possibilities of preventing AMD through appropriate diet, lifestyle modification and dietary supplementation, if necessary. Geriatria 2014; 8: 35-42.