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 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 is still no definitive treatment for AMD. What exist are measures that can be used to optimize the remaining vision. One of these measures is the use of magnifying glasses to enable affected individuals to read. For those that have been identified as being at risk, healthy lifestyle practices are recommended. Such will include, for instance, increased consumption of green leafy vegetables.
A number of ongoing research activities relating to the treatment of the condition are quite promising. One of the front runner agents is what is referred to as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. This factor is particularly useful in the management of wet AMD. The mechanism of action involves the prevention of growth of newer vessels which in turn slows down the progression of the condition.
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 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 is still no definitive treatment for AMD. What exist are measures that can be used to optimize the remaining vision. One of these measures is the use of magnifying glasses to enable affected individuals to read. For those that have been identified as being at risk, healthy lifestyle practices are recommended. Such will include, for instance, increased consumption of green leafy vegetables.
A number of ongoing research activities relating to the treatment of the condition are quite promising. One of the front runner agents is what is referred to as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. This factor is particularly useful in the management of wet AMD. The mechanism of action involves the prevention of growth of newer vessels which in turn slows down the progression of the condition.
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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