Macular Degeneration (cont.)

Progression to wet macular degeneration is the main complication of dry age-related macular degeneration. At any time, dry macular degeneration can progress to the more severe form of the disease called wet macular degeneration, which may cause rapid vision loss. There's no accurate way to predict who will eventually develop wet macular degeneration.

Other eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or dry eyes are not complications of macular degeneration. Patients with macular degeneration can, however, develop these or other eye diseases.

Macular degeneration in its advanced form can cause loss of all central vision in both eyes. In the absence of other eye diseases, peripheral vision is maintained. Therefore, patients with advanced macular degeneration are, in most cases, able to see enough to get around in familiar situations.

The use of magnifying devices can often improve vision in macular degeneration to allow for reading or watching of television.

Your lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD. Eating a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish, not smoking, maintaining blood pressure and weight at normal levels, and engaging in regular moderate exercise can be helpful in prevention of macular degeneration.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/macular_degeneration/article.htm