Chennai: “In a population-based study done by Sankara Nethralaya, in urban population of Chennai and rural population of Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur, every fifth individual more than 60 year has early changes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD),” said Sankara Nethralaya ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon, Dr Rajiv Raman.

“Unlike in western population, where smoking is a preventable risk factor of the disease, we found that the culprit is the smokeless tobacco. Late AMD was significantly associated with tobacco consumption more so in people with obesity. Additionally, following a healthy, balanced and nutritional diet boosts good eye health. All vegetables and fruits which are rich in lutein like green leafy vegetables, corn, nuts, beans and the like are good for eye health,” he said.

Along with the rise in the ageing population, there is increase in the number of people affected by degenerative diseases.

Degenerative as the name suggests is a process of deterioration of the cells over a period. Parkinson, Osteoarthritis, AMD are a few examples of degeneration diseases. While eye diseases like cataract and glaucoma are commonly known, diseases related to the retina (back of the eye) are least known to public, said a press release from the hospital.

Just like aging population is aware about cataract, it is important that they know about another eye disease which can reduce their vision-age related macular degeneration, said Dr Rajiv Raman.

People who are 60 years and above should visit an ophthalmologist or retina specialist in every six months, to understand eye condition, the release said.