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.
One should suspect the condition if they experience blurred vision that appears to progress with time. Although there are many other conditions that can cause blurring, persons with AMD will also have a significant difficulty in reading. They also may notice that the vibrancy of colors is lost and facial recognition of persons will also pose a challenge. It is important that you visit your GP if you have any of these symptoms.
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 is less common and accounts for only 10 per cent of all the AMD cases. Here the problem is damage of the macula by growth of new vessels. It is for this reason that the type is also called neovascular AMD. Although it is not very common, the wet type is more severe and has a more aggressive progression compared to the dry type.
There are a number of agents that have been the subject of research for some time now. One such agent is what is termed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor which offers hope for the management of wet AMD. The idea is to prevent the growth of new vessels (the main problem in wet AMD). Consequently the progression of visual impairment is slowed down.
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 remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide. It has been established that at least one in every ten people aged over 60 years are affected. Younger patients may be affected in rare circumstances. When the diagnosis is made in the younger age groups, there is usually an underlying problem. The available management options are the same as those used for the older patients.
One should suspect the condition if they experience blurred vision that appears to progress with time. Although there are many other conditions that can cause blurring, persons with AMD will also have a significant difficulty in reading. They also may notice that the vibrancy of colors is lost and facial recognition of persons will also pose a challenge. It is important that you visit your GP if you have any of these symptoms.
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 is less common and accounts for only 10 per cent of all the AMD cases. Here the problem is damage of the macula by growth of new vessels. It is for this reason that the type is also called neovascular AMD. Although it is not very common, the wet type is more severe and has a more aggressive progression compared to the dry type.
There are a number of agents that have been the subject of research for some time now. One such agent is what is termed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor which offers hope for the management of wet AMD. The idea is to prevent the growth of new vessels (the main problem in wet AMD). Consequently the progression of visual impairment is slowed down.
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 remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide. It has been established that at least one in every ten people aged over 60 years are affected. Younger patients may be affected in rare circumstances. When the diagnosis is made in the younger age groups, there is usually an underlying problem. The available management options are the same as those used for the older patients.
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