Macular Degeneration can trigger low vision and debilitating vision loss, even blindness if not diagnosed and dealt with in the early stages. Because the disease often has no apparent symptoms early on, it is crucial to have routine extensive eye exams, especially if you are at risk.
Symptoms of AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye illness that impacts the macula, the part of the eye accountable for central vision. It is the leading reason for blindness and vision loss in people over the age of 60. The symptoms of AMD can differ depending upon the kind of AMD and the phase of the disease.
The early symptoms of AMD may include:
Blurred vision or distortion in the center of your vision. Difficulty seeing great information, such as reading or acknowledging faces. Difficulty adapting to dim light.
As the disease advances, the symptoms can end up being more extreme and may include:
A dark or empty location in the center of your vision a progressive loss of color vision A requirement for brighter light to see trouble with daily activities such as reading, composing, and recognizing faces.
It’s worth keeping in mind that in some cases, early AMD may not cause any symptoms, so it’s important to have regular eye examinations to discover the disease early. In basic, people over the age of 60, who have a household history of AMD, cigarette smokers or those with a history of high sun exposure are at a higher risk of establishing AMD.
Danger Factors for Macular Degeneration
Age is the most prominent danger factor for AMD, as the disease is most typical in individuals over the age of 60 (although it can occur in younger individuals too).
Other threat aspects can increase your chances of establishing the disease such as:
- Genetics and Family History: Research shows that there are really almost 20 genes that have been linked to AMD, and they presume that there are many more genetic factors to be found. Family history greatly increases your chances of establishing AMD.
- Race: Caucasians are more likely to get AMD than Hispanics or African-Americans.
- Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking can double your possibility of establishing AMD.
- Lifestyle: Research shows that UV direct exposure, poor nutrition, hypertension, weight problems, and an inactive lifestyle can also be contributing factors.
- Gender: Females have a higher occurrence of AMD than males.
- Medications: Certain medications may increase the chances of developing AMD.
To minimize the dangers of developing AMD it is recommended to make healthy choices such as:
- Regular eye exams; once a year especially if you are 50 or over.
- Stop smoking.
- Know your household history and inform your eye doctor.
- Proper nutrition and regular exercise: Research shows that a healthy diet plan abundant in “Eyefoods” with crucial nutrients for the eyes such as orange peppers, kale, and spinach along with routine exercise may decrease your risks or slow the progression of AMD.
- Maintain 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 sophisticated dry AMD (it is not advised for those without AMD or early AMD). Talk to a physician prior to taking these supplements since there might be associated dangers involved.
- Use 99% -100% UV-blocking sunglasses.