Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macular Degeneration?

Also known as Age Related Macular Degeneration, this is a common condition in which the macula slowly loses its function. The macula is part of the retina, located in the back of the eye. Slowly but surely, people suffering from Macular Degeneration start seeing less sharply, which becomes noticeable as a grey patch in the middle of their field of vision.

Both a wet and a dry Macular Degeneration exist. There is no specific treatment of the dry form, which is more common and progressively damages the sight in both eyes, but good results have been achieved with lifestyle and dietary changes.

How do I know if I have Macular Degeneration?

An early Macular Degeneration can be observed by an optometrist of eye doctor, who can perform a number of diagnostic tests.

One test you can perform yourself: the "Amsler Grid", an example of which can be found at amslergrid.org. The Amsler Grid was developed in 1945 by the Swiss eye doctor Marc Amsler and consists of a series of horizontal and vertical lines, which can be used to test the central field of vision. Damage to the retina, especially in the macula, such as with Macular Degeneration, can be tracked down because patients will report seeing some lines as curved or even missing.

To use an Amsler Grid:
1) Where your normal glasses or contacts, if you need them.
2) Observe the Amsler Grid from about 35 cm distance.
3) Cover one of your eyes and stare at the point in the center of the grid.
4) Contact your eye doctor immediately if some lines seem curved, some of the squares seem different in size or shape and/or some of the lines are missing, blurry or discolored.

I have a parent and grandparent who suffer from MD. Is it hereditary?

It has been proven that MD has a hereditary component; the exact mechanism has become increasingly clear the last few years. For this reason it is important to know how the eyesight was of parents and grandparents.

Using two specific products made by Sanmed BV, Macula Support^® and Maxim'Eyes^®, allows you to optimize your diet.

What is the difference between Macula Support^® and Maxim'Eyes^® and where can I buy these two specific products?

Macula Support^® has an almost identical formula as the one used in scientific research in the United States. The formula is suitable for long term use.

Maxim'Eyes^® contains the same combination of high dosage vitamins en minerals, but also contains a number of specific anti-oxidants, such as Lipoic Acid and Taurine. Also, Beta-Carotene (=pro Vitamin A) has been replaced by Lutein, for people who smoke or have stopped. The product is suitable for long term use.

Both products are meant for the treatment of a serious condition and are therefore available through pharmacies.

I smoke and suffer from MD. What should I do?

If you cannot or do not want to stop smoking, long term use of Maxim'Eyes^® is advised.

I have other questions that have not been answered. Who can I turn to?

You can always ask us questions by email (info@sanmed.nl), which we will answer quickly.

Contacting us by telephone is also possible: 035 53 81 232.

Are there other factors that may increase the chance of getting MD?

Yes. As in many cases age, environmental factors (radiation and asbestos amongst other things) and lifestyle (rest, smoking, drinking and dietary habits amongst other things) play a combined role.

What can I do to prevent MD?

Besides the fact that a hereditary "error" might be hiding in someone’s DNA, the only option is to stay in good general health. Exercise and a healthy diet should be the basis, besides avoiding damaging environmental factors.

How can I recognize that I might have MD?

The sharpness of your sight will slowly but surely decrease and you will notice a grey patch in the center of your field of vision.

What is the ARED I study?

This is a scientific study performed in the United States over a course of more than 5 years. By providing patients with a number of high dosage vitamins and minerals in a specific combination, good results have been achieved in patients with dry MD.

What can I do if I have MD?

In the first place, follow any advice provided by medical specialists.