Macular Degeneration Overview
Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, which is the part of the eye responsible for central vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. There are two main types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.
Dry macular degeneration is the most common form and is caused by the gradual breakdown of cells in the macula. Symptoms include a gradual loss of central vision and difficulty seeing fine details.
Wet macular degeneration is less common but more severe. It is caused by the growth of new blood vessels under the macula, which can leak blood and fluid, causing damage to the cells in the macula. Symptoms include a rapid loss of central vision and the presence of distorted or missing areas of vision.
There is no cure for macular degeneration, but early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision. Treatment options include medication, laser therapy, and surgery.
Understanding AMD
Macular Degeneration is a disease that harms the macula, which is the center of the retina responsible for sharp visual acuity in the main field of vision. The breakdown of the macula ultimately leads to the loss of main vision and the capability to see great details. While AMD does not lead to complete blindness, the quality of vision is badly jeopardized causing what we describe as “low vision”.
The loss of main vision can interfere with the performance of everyday tasks such as driving, reading, composing, cooking, or perhaps acknowledging the faces of friends and family.
Fortunately, there are many low vision aides on the marketplace now that can help in assisting you to carry out these tasks.
Wet and Dry AMD
There are two types of AMD, wet and dry.
Dry AMD is the most typical form of the disease. It is identified by blurred central vision or blind spots, as the macula starts to degrade. Dry AMD is less extreme than the damp form, however, can advance to damp AMD rapidly.
Wet AMD is when unusual capillary start to grow under the retina and leak fluid and blood into the macula, causing distortions in vision. Wet AMD can trigger irreversible scarring if not treated quickly, so any abrupt blur in vision should be evaluated immediately, particularly if one understands that they have AMD.
Are You at Risk?
Awareness about the disease, the risk elements, and prevention are important, even for younger generations since taking care of your eyes while you are young will assist to reduce the dangers later in life.
The most significant risk element for AMD is age. Individuals over 60 are probably to develop the disease however it can happen earlier. Additional danger aspects include:
- Smoking: According to a research study smoking cigarettes can double the danger of AMD.
- Genes and Family History: If AMD runs in your household you are at a greater threat. Scientists have actually also determined the number of particular genes that are related to the disease.
- Race: Caucasians are most likely to have AMD than those of Hispanic or African-American descent.
- Lifestyle: Obesity, high cholesterol or blood pressure, bad nutrition, and lack of exercise all add to the probability of getting AMD.
Prevention of AMD :
If you have danger factors, here is what you can do to avoid or slow the progression of AMD:
- Regular eye exams; once a year especially if you are 50 or over.
- Stop smoking.
- Know your household history and inform your eye doctor.
- Correct nutrition and regular workout: Research suggests that a healthy diet plan abundant in “Eyefoods” with crucial nutrients for the eyes such as orange peppers, kale, and spinach in addition to routine workouts might lower your dangers or slow the progression of AMD.
- Keep healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Dietary supplements: Studies by the National Eye Institute called AREDs and ARED2 indicated that a high dose of supplements of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and lutein may slow the development of innovative dry AMD (it is not suggested for those without AMD or early AMD). Speak to a physician prior to taking these supplements because there might be associated risks involved.
- Use 99% -100% UV-blocking sunglasses.
The primary step to eye health is awareness. By knowing your danger, taking preventative procedures, and visiting your eye doctor on a regular basis, you can considerably reduce your chances of facing this disabling disease.