Unlock the Secrets to a Longer, Healthier Life: The Surprising Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

The macula is the site of the greatest concentration of light-receiving cells, it is about 1.5 mm in diameter and is yellowish in color. It is responsible for 90% of vision and plays a role in distinguishing colors and making objects appear clearly.

The exact cause has not yet been revealed. However, risk factors include age, genetic predisposition, cardiovascular disease, smoking, high cholesterol, exposure to ultraviolet rays, and low concentrations of antioxidants in the blood. In particular, it is known to show a sharp increase after the age of 75.

Junmyeong Yoon, a professor of ophthalmology at St. Mary’s Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea Incheon, said: “Usually, as people age, changes in the macula occur. If symptoms such as blurred vision, objects appear curved, or the center of the field appears black, macular degeneration may be suspected.” “Deterioration in vision due to age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration can increase the risk of dementia, falls, and depression, which can have a negative impact on overall quality of life,” he warned. The last Saturday in September, September 28 this year, is “World Retina Day.” 윤준명 가톨릭대 인천성모병원 안과 교수의 도움말로 ‘황반변성’의 예방과 관리에 대해 알 아본다.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Evaluation Service, the number of people seeking treatment for macular degeneration in Korea increased by 148.1% or 290,000 in four years, from 200,471 in 2019 to 497,338 in 2023. By age group, those aged 60 or older accounted for 89.3% of the total, including 36.4% of those aged 70, 30.1% of those aged 60, and 22.8% of those aged 80 or older. 황반변성 환자 10명중 9명은 60대 이상이라는 얘기다.

When macular degeneration occurs, symptoms such as decreased vision, deformity, and central scotoma where only the arms and legs are visible and the face cannot be seen when looking at a person. At first, letters or straight lines appear shaky or curved, and symptoms such as inability to see some parts when reading appear, and eventually the vision deteriorates. 다만 초기에는 증상이 거의 나타나지 않아 잘 모르는 경우가 많다. 또 황반변성이 한쪽 눈에만 발생한 경우 아직 정상인 반대편 눈에 의지해 증상을 깨닫지 못 하고 지내다가 반대편 눈에도 시력 저하가 온 뒤에야 병원을 찾게 된다.

If detected early and treated before structural damage to the macular area occurs, most people can maintain vision that does not interfere with daily life. 따라서 황반변성은 정기적인 자가검진을 통해 돌이킬 수 없는 시력 손상이 발생하기 전, 즉 조기에 발견해 치료하는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다. 또 진단을 받은 후에는 망막 전문의에게 정기적으로 진료를 받는 것도 잊지 말아야 한다. 황반변성의 위험인자로 알려진 비만, 흡연 등의 조절 가능한 인자 역시 줄이도록 한다.

Macular degeneration can be confirmed to some extent by looking at a piece of paper with many horizontal and vertical lines like a checkerboard with one eye. If something looks bent, it is a sign that something is wrong. It is also a good idea to look at the numbers on the calendar from a distance once a week. 이상 징후가 보이면 병원을 찾아 혈관조영술과 광간섭 안구 단층촬영을 통해 발병 여부를 확인한다.

To prevent macular degeneration, it is important to slow down the oxidation process that occurs with age. Quitting smoking and exercising regularly are helpful, and it is best to avoid instant foods or foods containing a lot of fat. It is also recommended to follow a Mediterranean diet, which includes green and yellow vegetables rich in antioxidant vitamins, green fish, and nuts. There is also research showing that taking antioxidants, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are good for eye health, reduces the risk of developing macular degeneration and reduces the risk of wet macular degeneration.

Junmyeong Yoon, a professor of ophthalmology at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea, said, “In the case of the elderly, if your eyesight suddenly worsens, objects appear distorted, or the center of your field of vision appears black, you should visit an eye doctor immediately for a checkup.” He added, “Especially those over 60, obese, smoking, family history of macular degeneration, etc. “If you have risk factors, regular eye exams are essential,” he said. advised.

[Tip. 눈 건강 돕는 5가지 생활습관]

1. You blink frequently

2. Maintain adequate humidity

3. Avoid pointing the air conditioner directly into your eyes.

4. Wear sunglasses in strong sunlight

5. Applying Blue Light Blocking Film