Medications To Stop Because Of Dangerous Macular Degeneration Risks

With over 10 million Americans now suffering with macular degeneration it has become the top cause of vision loss in America.

macular degeneration signs

Our vision is incredibly important to how we experience the world. Sometimes, as we get older or due to genetic reasons, our vision can start to decline. Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that affects many Americans, but the good news is that there are treatments available.

What Exactly is Macular Degeneration?

It’s a disease that affects the center of your vision, making it blurry and causing loss of vision in the middle of what you normally see. This can make it hard to read, drive, and even recognize people’s faces. In severe cases, it can even lead to blindness. The disease is caused by damage to the nerves in your eyes, which start to degenerate and don’t work as well as they should. This damage can be a result of aging or genetics. The top cause of vision loss in America is macular degeneration.¹ With roughly 10 million Americans now suffering from this condition specialists urge to learn the early warning signs before it is too late.²

What May Cause Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle. While certain medications may have potential side effects on eye health, there isn’t a definitive list of medications that directly cause macular degeneration. However, some medications may exacerbate existing eye conditions or have potential adverse effects on eye health.

Corticosteroids: Prolonged use of corticosteroids, especially when taken orally or through injection, can increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma, which are conditions that may contribute to vision loss. However, there isn’t conclusive evidence directly linking corticosteroid use to macular degeneration.
Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine: These medications, commonly used to treat malaria and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, have been associated with retinal toxicity, particularly affecting the macula. Regular ophthalmic monitoring is recommended for patients on long-term therapy with these drugs. However, this side effect is rare.
Tamoxifen: Used in the treatment of breast cancer, tamoxifen has been linked to retinopathy, which could potentially affect macular health. However, this side effect is rare.

Dry or Wet Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is broken down into two main types which are named dry and wet. Each condition poses its own unique problems but in general:

Dry Macular Degeneration: This type develops more slowly and causes gradual vision loss.³ It’s harder to diagnose because it happens gradually. It occurs when cells in the retina start to gradually disappear. This is the most common type of macular degeneration.
Wet Macular Degeneration: This form of the disease leads to rapid loss of central vision. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula (the center of the retina) and leak blood and fluid. Wet macular degeneration is more serious and needs to be treated quickly to prevent further complications or blindness.

Whose Is Most At Risk Of Macular Degeneration?

Age: Macular degeneration is more common in individuals who are 50 years of age or older. As we grow older, the risk increases significantly.
Genetics: Having a family history of macular degeneration can increase your susceptibility to the disease. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has been diagnosed with macular degeneration, your risk is higher.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is a major risk factor for macular degeneration.⁴ Smokers are more likely to develop the disease and experience more severe vision loss.
Race and Ethnicity: Caucasians, especially those with light-colored eyes, are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration compared to individuals of other racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Cardiovascular Health: Certain cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, have been associated with an increased risk of macular degeneration.

Ways To Prevent Macular Degeneration?

When it comes to treating macular degeneration, it’s important to follow these steps:

Eat the Right Foods: Foods high in Vitamin A, like fish, spinach, carrots, and yellow fruits, can reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and avocados are also great for your eyes.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is a leading cause of macular degeneration, so quitting can greatly reduce your risks.
Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation by wearing sunglasses when you’re outside or near windows. This can help prevent eye damage and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Take Prescribed Medications: There are prescription medications available to help with dry or wet forms of the disease, but they may have side effects like blurred vision, headaches, and dizziness. It’s important to consult your doctor to understand the different medication options.
Laser Treatments: In extreme cases where your vision is extremely blurry or at risk of blindness, your doctor may suggest surgery or laser treatments as options to improve your condition.

What Signs Should I Be Looking Out For?

So, what are the warning signs and symptoms to watch out for? Here are some of the most common early warning signs but if you have any of these its always best to contact a medical professional to receive personalised advice for your own situation.

Blurry vision in the center of your field of vision.
Difficulty with glare when looking at light sources.
Trouble reading, driving, or recognizing people’s faces.
Difficulty distinguishing colors.
Problems judging distances.
Needing bright light to see TV or reading material.
Noticing blind spots in your vision.
Seeing straight lines as wavy objects.

Protect Your Vision From Macular Degeneration Today

It’s important to take proactive steps to protect your eyesight and maintain clear vision. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, it’s crucial to speak with a medical expert who can help with early prevention of macular degeneration. You can find local eye specialists in your area by doing an online search. They can provide you with treatment plans and options that are affordable and suitable for you. Remember, early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in preserving your vision for years to come.

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