Macular degeneration is the loss of vision in the central part of the eye. When the central part of the retina begins to deteriorate it causes difficulty seeing colors, people's faces, reading and seeing straight ahead. The peripheral vision is not affected.

There are two types of macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is a gradual breakdown of the macula creating the loss of cells. Vision blurs over a period of time. An ophthalmologist using instruments to look at the back of the eye will see small, yellowish-white spots. It can take years for the condition to develop to the point of vision loss.

Wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels that form under the center of the retina. The abnormal blood vessels can lead to leaking and bleeding which in turn puts pressure on the retina. The result is scarring, distortion and the loss of central vision.

Wet macular degeneration is more severe than dry macular degeneration. Thankfully, the wet occurs less often.

People over the age of 55 are most at risk for the eye disease. Age-related macular degeneration accounts for over 100,000 people in the United States who are declared legally blind because of it. The astonishing fact is that over ten million Americans suffer from decreased vision due to a form of age-related macular degeneration.

Women are more at risk than men although men do get the disease. Studies show that people with light-colored eyes seem to be more susceptible. Studies also show that heredity plays a part, too. If there are members of your family who have it or have had it and are now deceased, you need to be aware of that fact.

Salmon, mackeral, tuna, herring and shellfish are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids. Eaten two to three times a week these foods have a tremendous effect in the slowing or stopping altogether the progress of age-related macular degeneration. The research was conducted in Britain and recently published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Embryonic stems cells, according to British scientists, can be transformed to replicate the missing cells in the vision impaired eye and then inserted into the back of the retina.  In other words, the new cells replace the degenerated ones allowing the patient to see.

Author's Note:  I know how controversial the use of embryonic stem cells is.  I am not taking a stance one way or the other about the morality of the issue.  I'm simply reporting what my research has found.

 There is a test called the Amsler Grid that you can print out and perform at home or at the very least insist that your Optometrist test you with it when you go for your checkups.

There are aids that will help you or someone you know who has macular degeneration to literally see better when doing mundane chores. These take ingenuity more than money.

Ask your pharmacist when filling your prescription to use large print labels and to color-code the bottles and to print the patient information in large type and match the color to the color on the bottle. If the patient takes more than one medication, have the pharmacist use different colors for each bottle. If the person taking the medicine can't read the label but can see the color, use a small recording device to switch on to remind the patient which color is for what condition and when to take it.

A recorder is a good way to instruct the one with macular degeneration about a lot of things. It's a good idea to place a colored dot or a "bump" on the Play button and a different color or different sized "bump" on the Rewind button. Sticky moleskin works well or Velcro dots can be purchased for this. Bumps can be used to align stove settings and temperture settings on a thermostat. Write recipes in big letters with black pen on white paper or use a large font on the computer and print it out.

On any work surface, especially in the kitchen, attach a large sheet of dark contact paper to the counter and a bright white piece of contact paper in another area. Dark foods or items to be prepared will be done on the white area and light foods or items will be prepared on the dark surface. Extreme contrast is important to the visually impaired. There are measuring cups and measuring spoons with bright handles. When adding salt to a recipe or food, pour it in your hand first to judge the amount. Wrap bright contrasting tape to pan handles. Always close cupboard doors and drawers after using them and put things away in the same place after use. A metal disk in the bottom of a pan will rattle like crazy when the liquid begins to boil. Properly cleaned and disinfected coins work well. Pour dark liquids such as coffee in light cups and light liquids in dark containers. Dark colored light switch plates are a help in all the rooms.

A bright colored sponge in the bathtub helps to judge the water level. Picking up a bathmat and placing it over the edge of the tub when not in use helps to avoid trips. A simple thing like getting toothpaste on the bristles of the toothbrush can cause frustration. Squirt the toothpaste directly in the mouth and brush away. The strongest magnifying glass that works for your vision can be kept in the bathroom. For so many women, wanting to have a good appearance by applying makeup is so very important. This can be a daunting task without visual help. High contrast place mats can hold toiletries.

Keep a flashlight in your closet to better see the clothes you're choosing and divide your clothes on hangers. Black clothes at one end, then light clothes, then brown, then light, then navy blue works well.

Your bank can provide large print checks if you request them. There are writing aids available. Most of them are plastic sheets in different sizes with openings as guides to keep your writing and signature where it should be. They are inexpensive and a valuable help. Large button calculators help, too.

There are loads of magnification products for different applications, some quite expensive. Most of them would be beneficial, but it's a question of cost.

Computer users have voice software, monitor magnification and keyboard enlargement products available.

There are dozens of products on the market that talk to help the visually impaired. Some of these are quite expensive, others are not.

Talking watches and clocks are readily available. Everyone wants to know what time it is now and then. These items usually come with large faces so the person can see it if able. Some tell you the temperature. Some clocks reflect the time in big red numbers onto the light ceiling so you know what time it is if you wake up in the dark.

There are talking glucose meters, talking microwaves, kitchen scales, blood pressure cuffs, phones, measuring tapes, talking pill bottles and even talking recordable labels for any item.

Phones can be programmed to call a frequently used number when you tell it to.  They also have large button phones to help you with dialing.

 Finally, while we all know that macular degeneration is not life-threatening as are so many terrible diseases that plague humans, it is debilitating in its own way and should never be taken lightly.