What people with heart disease need to know about macular degeneration
Get the facts on the connection between heart disease and this chronic vision condition.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among adults 65 and over. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina that allows you to see fine details. Over time, AMD can make it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces.
Research suggests that people with cardiovascular disease may be more likely to develop AMD. Both conditions involve damage to blood vessels, and many of the same risk factors — such as high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol — play a role in each.
The good news? Those similarities also mean that many of the same strategies can help prevent complications.
Following your treatment plan, eating a heart- healthy diet, and staying physically active benefit your eyes as much as your heart.
Medications Your Way
The other key step: Stay on top of your annual eye exams — even if you don’t wear glasses.
An eye doctor can detect early signs of macular degeneration before you even notice vision changes. They may use special imaging tests to look at the retina and track changes over time. If AMD is found, treatments like supplements, injections, or laser therapy may help slow its progress.
