In today's Health Matters, macular degeneration has robbed millions of Americans of their vision.

Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the very center part of the retina. So it's the part of your eye that takes care of really fine vision, reading, driving, recognizing faces.

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in Americans age 60 and older. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gender -- women have a greater risk, and smoking.

Research shows that eating a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and fish reduces the risk for the disease.

The treatments for macular Degeneration have undergone a revolution in the last couple decades. Treatments include lasers, photodynamic therapy, new injectable medications and special vitamin supplements.