What can be done to prevent the condition?

Unfortunately, macular degeneration is not well understood. There are no known prevention methods. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc, may slightly decrease the risk of developing this condition. However, their effectiveness has not been proven. Avoidance of smoking may lower a person's risk. Following a heart-healthy diet may decrease the risk associated with heart and vascular disease.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

With dry macular degeneration, central vision is gradually reduced over many years. Sometimes the condition will be stable for a number of years without worsening. In wet macular degeneration, vision may decrease suddenly. If this happens in one eye, the other eye should be carefully monitored.

There is a marked loss of central vision in advanced macular degeneration. People tend to become frustrated with their condition. They are unable to drive and cannot read without bright light and magnification.