With life expectancy continuing to climb, managing eye disease is essential. According to the American Optometric Association, Age-Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1.8 million people have the disease and another 7.3 million are at risk.

AMD occurs when the central area of the retina responsible for clear vision, the macula, is damaged. This results in a loss of central vision in the eye, which is needed for reading and close work. Color vision and distance vision are also affected. There are two types of macular degeneration: "dry" or atrophic, and "wet" or exudative.

The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown but it may be related to aging, hereditary factors, smoking and exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation and blue light, both found in sunlight. Your lifestyle can play a role in reducing the risk of AMD. The AOA recommends individuals:

• Eat a low-fat balanced diet rich in green, leafy vegetables, or ask their optometrist about dietary supplements

• Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation

• Keep blood pressure under control

• Avoid smoking.

People should be alert for these symptoms of the wet form of macular degeneration:

• A sudden loss of the ability to see clearly

• A gradual change in color vision

• Distorted vision, such as wavy lines that should be straight

• A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.