People over 50 should undergo regular eye exams at least a year to detect early signs of macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the age group.

It ‘s highly recommended for patients considered at risk of AMD, such as smokers, people with high blood pressure or coronary heart disease, light skin or eye color, and people with diets low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

The doctors say that early treatment is very effective and can stop the loss of vision. This is done photodynamic (PDT) or laser therapy.

AMD affects 30 million people worldwide and causes loss of central vision. Of the two types, wet form of AMD less common causes severe vision loss and dramatic in two or three years. This is because the abnormal blood vessels that damage the macula – the light sensitive part of the eye.

“The rapid development of AMD make early detection can reduce the risk of severe vision loss. Patients must also realize the self, which, along with regular eye exams, will help detect the disease as soon as possible,” said Dr. Michael Sickenberg Universitaire Jules Gonin ophtalmique hospital in Switzerland.

A simple test is the Amsler grid. This is a model of a straight line in the form of a square with a point in the middle. The patient covers one eye at a time and focus on the central point. If people see wavy lines or blurry, you may suffer from AMD. Distortion of vision due to wet macular degeneration can cause straight lines appear bent. The size and color of an object can appear differently for each eye.

Those who have the wet form of AMD can greatly benefit from the drug is injected into the bloodstream of the patient and is activated by a laser light does not produce heat. This starts a chemical process that destroys the abnormal blood vessels and stop the progression of vision loss.