2. ARMD is caused by damage to the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula. It may develop in a dry form characterized by yellow deposits in the macula or a wet form, occurring in about 10 percent of cases of ARMD, and characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula which may leak blood and fluid into the eye.

3. Symptoms of both the dry and wet forms include distortion of straight lines or objects in the center of the field of vision; dark blurry areas or white-outs in that area; or diminished or changed color perceptions.

4. A family history of age-related macular degeneration and other hereditary factors such as light-colored irises or low macular pigment density may predispose to the development of ARMD. Some lifestyle changes, however, may reduce the risk.

5. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and thickens the blood. This can reduce the blood supply to the eye.

6. Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol can lead to development of plaque in the macular vessels and hamper blood flow in the eyes.

7. It is a good idea to not smoke at all or to stop as soon as possible and to reduce the saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet.

8. Ultraviolet and blue light from the sun and other sources such as video display terminals, fluorescent lighting, xenon, and high intensity mercury vapor lamps, are risk factors while sunlight is a risk factor for cataracts, too.

9. Sunglasses that protect against blue/violet and UV light are the best bet and wearing a hat to shade the eyes on sunny days will help, too.

10. Regular exercise contributes to overall good health, improves circulation, and may increase blood flow to the eyes.

11. Diabetes and high blood pressure can affect vision; good control and management of both is essential.

12. Regular eye examinations, at least every two years, will provide early detection for those in the high-risk groups.

13. The antioxidant carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, are concentrated in the retinal macular pigment and protect the macula from light damage and from free radicals. The human body cannot synthesize these carotenoids, so accumulation is entirely dependent on dietary intake.

14. Some studies indicate that lycopene may also reduce the effects of macular degeneration and cataracts.

15. Vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc, and copper have been shown to decrease the risk of vision loss in patients with intermediate to advanced dry macular degeneration.

16. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamin A that provides significant protection from ARMD.

17. Lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and low fat or nonfat dairy products not only reduce blood cholesterol levels but provide antioxidants to bind the free radicals that predispose to formation of plaque in the blood vessels.

18. Regarding those two yellow pigments in the macula - lutein and zeaxanthin, these phytochemical antioxidants are found in dark green leafy and yellow vegetables and in tomatoes.

19. Eating large quantities of these vegetables that contain these and many of the other dietary factors mentioned may slow or prevent the progression of age related macular degeneration.