There are approximately 132 million photo receptive cells in the retina, a combination of 125 million rods and 7 million cones. Rods are stimulated by a wide range of light intensities and enable us to determine the size, shape, and brightness of visual images. Cones provide sharp, colour and clear central vision, but they are less receptive to low levels of light. Whilst both rods and cones are spread across the retina there is a higher concentration of cones in the macula, a 5mm ‘disc’ at the centre of the retina which gives us our detailed central vision and if these cells are damaged, that level of detailed vision is reduced or lost.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting over 600,000 people. AMD tends to impact older people (50+) and can change a person’s vision form being perfect to partial, literally overnight. It has two forms, wet and dry; wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula, whereas dry AMD is a slow deterioration of the cells of the macula.

Age related Macular Degeneration is indiscriminate, it can affect anyone, although the cause is not absolutely clear. The usual suspects of smoking, drinking and poor diet are likely to have an impact, but unfortunately those who have not overindulged and have generally looked after themselves, are not immune.

Eating foods that contain minerals such as omega 3, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, trace element zinc, carotenoids: Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are good for the eyes and are found in leafy green vegetables, especially Kale (its mineral content off the charts!), oily fish and bilberries.

In addition to age-related degeneration there are also a number of genetic disorders, or dystrophies, that impact the central vision in a similar way to AMD, although the principal difference is they can impact in childhood; this is where I come in.., having been diagnosed with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (Bests Disease) almost 50 years ago!

Please click on each of the images below to learn more about Macular degeneration and how it impacts those living with the condition: