In general advancing age is associated with a number of eye conditions that frequently result in visual impairment. Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is among the commonest. AMD has been known to result in the loss of central vision in both eyes. This means that the affected individual will have trouble seeing objects when they focus straight at them. If looking for macular degeneration treatment Bethesda residents need to understand a number of things beforehand.
AMD is usually suspected when an individual starts having blurred vision that is progressive in nature. This is often associated with a difficulty in reading because of their impaired central vision. The brightness of colors is also affected and many of them will have difficulty recognizing the faces of people. Although the condition progresses slowly, a few people have reported the worsening of symptoms within a few days.
In the event that the condition is suspected, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The specialist will also conduct their own investigation by taking your clinical history and examining the affected eyes. There are two main types of AMD; the dry type and the wet type. In the dry type, the underlying problem is the accumulation of deposits known as drusen within the macula part of the eye.
The wet type (or serous) AMD contributes to about 10% of all cases that are seen. The cause of wet AMD is damage to the macula by new vessels that are growing within it. This is why the type has also been termed neovascular AMD. Although less common, wet AMD has a more aggressive progression and is more severe.
No definitive treatment of AMD exists as yet. The available management methods that exist are aimed at optimizing the remaining vision. Individuals who have trouble reading because of the condition are usually given magnifying glasses to assist them. The general advice for a person that has been identified as being at risk is that they should increase their intake of green leafy vegetables.
There is no definitive treatment for AMD. Measures that are taken by the specialist are aimed at utilizing the remaining visual ability as much as possible. One of the interventions that are undertaken is the prescription of magnifying lenses for those that already have problems reading. For persons that are at risk of the condition, the general advice is that they should increase their intake of green leafy vegetables which have been shown to slow the progression.
The risk factors for this condition are not well known. What is known is that the risk rises with advancing age. Therefore, putting in place preventive measures may not be that easy. For those that have developed it already, a number of things can be undertaken. Such include cessation of smoking, eating a balanced diet, reduction of alcohol intake and weight control among others.
AMD is a significant cause of blindness world over. Statistics show that at least 10% of persons over the age of 60 years are affected. When the condition is found in young patients, there is usually an underlying disease. The management options are the same for both the young and the older patients.
AMD is usually suspected when an individual starts having blurred vision that is progressive in nature. This is often associated with a difficulty in reading because of their impaired central vision. The brightness of colors is also affected and many of them will have difficulty recognizing the faces of people. Although the condition progresses slowly, a few people have reported the worsening of symptoms within a few days.
In the event that the condition is suspected, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The specialist will also conduct their own investigation by taking your clinical history and examining the affected eyes. There are two main types of AMD; the dry type and the wet type. In the dry type, the underlying problem is the accumulation of deposits known as drusen within the macula part of the eye.
The wet type (or serous) AMD contributes to about 10% of all cases that are seen. The cause of wet AMD is damage to the macula by new vessels that are growing within it. This is why the type has also been termed neovascular AMD. Although less common, wet AMD has a more aggressive progression and is more severe.
No definitive treatment of AMD exists as yet. The available management methods that exist are aimed at optimizing the remaining vision. Individuals who have trouble reading because of the condition are usually given magnifying glasses to assist them. The general advice for a person that has been identified as being at risk is that they should increase their intake of green leafy vegetables.
There is no definitive treatment for AMD. Measures that are taken by the specialist are aimed at utilizing the remaining visual ability as much as possible. One of the interventions that are undertaken is the prescription of magnifying lenses for those that already have problems reading. For persons that are at risk of the condition, the general advice is that they should increase their intake of green leafy vegetables which have been shown to slow the progression.
The risk factors for this condition are not well known. What is known is that the risk rises with advancing age. Therefore, putting in place preventive measures may not be that easy. For those that have developed it already, a number of things can be undertaken. Such include cessation of smoking, eating a balanced diet, reduction of alcohol intake and weight control among others.
AMD is a significant cause of blindness world over. Statistics show that at least 10% of persons over the age of 60 years are affected. When the condition is found in young patients, there is usually an underlying disease. The management options are the same for both the young and the older patients.
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