Macular degeneration is a commonly experienced disorder of the eyes and cause loss of central vision. Central vision is usually what you see when looking ahead. There is also peripheral vision which is what you see on the sides as you look straight ahead. Macular degeneration does not however cause total blindness because it has no effect on peripheral vision. When suffering from macular degeneration Washington DC residents ought to know facts about the disease.
There are two types of the disease. The first type is dry macular degeneration which is the more common one affecting 85 percent of persons suffering from the disease. The cause is yellow deposits which are formed beneath the macular. That will finally cause damage to the retina and also vision loss. Wet macular degeneration on the other hand affects less people, about 15 percent. The cause is development of blood vessels under the retina and macular. The effect of the condition is that the person sees dark spots at the center of their vision. That is because of leaking of fluids or bleeding of vessels.
The condition tends to progress over a period of time, and gets worse. During the early stages, one might not notice any problems with their vision. Also, if both of the eyes are affected, you might not notice any change in your vision as the disease advances. Symptoms include difficulty in adapting to bright light, reduced central vision, blurred vision and trouble when it comes to recognizing faces.
The exact cause of the disease is not clear. There however are factors which will increase risk of one developing it. It is more likely to affect those who are above the age of 65, Caucasians, those who smoke and people who are overweight. Those with cardiovascular diseases are also at risk. For you to know whether you have it, it is important to go for annual checkup of the eyes. That should be even when you feel the eyes are normal. The doctor will ask about any vision changes you might be having.
There are a number of tests that can be conducted to know whether one has the condition. For instance, there could be the use of special eye drops for dilating eyes. After that, the back of the eyes is checked for any signs of blood, fluid or yellow deposits. The doctor will also ask you to look at a grid to test your central vision.
At the moment, there is no known cure for macular degeneration. The doctor can only recommend ways slowing it down. In case you are suffering from dry macular degeneration, you need to closely work with a specialist in low vision. They will take you through the different ways you can cope with loss of vision. When other methods fail, the doctor might suggest surgery. In that case, there is implanting of telescopic lens on eyes. That helps in magnifying your field of vision.
In the case of the wet version, you also need to work with a vision specialist. In addition to that, there is medication that could be placed directly into the eyes to stop growth of blood any new blood vessels. It will take weeks before a difference can be seen.
There are a number of ways of reducing the risk of macular degeneration. In the case of people who smoke, they will be required to quit. Also, one is advised to eat healthy means and take part in exercises. The best way to manage the condition is to diagnose it early.
There are two types of the disease. The first type is dry macular degeneration which is the more common one affecting 85 percent of persons suffering from the disease. The cause is yellow deposits which are formed beneath the macular. That will finally cause damage to the retina and also vision loss. Wet macular degeneration on the other hand affects less people, about 15 percent. The cause is development of blood vessels under the retina and macular. The effect of the condition is that the person sees dark spots at the center of their vision. That is because of leaking of fluids or bleeding of vessels.
The condition tends to progress over a period of time, and gets worse. During the early stages, one might not notice any problems with their vision. Also, if both of the eyes are affected, you might not notice any change in your vision as the disease advances. Symptoms include difficulty in adapting to bright light, reduced central vision, blurred vision and trouble when it comes to recognizing faces.
The exact cause of the disease is not clear. There however are factors which will increase risk of one developing it. It is more likely to affect those who are above the age of 65, Caucasians, those who smoke and people who are overweight. Those with cardiovascular diseases are also at risk. For you to know whether you have it, it is important to go for annual checkup of the eyes. That should be even when you feel the eyes are normal. The doctor will ask about any vision changes you might be having.
There are a number of tests that can be conducted to know whether one has the condition. For instance, there could be the use of special eye drops for dilating eyes. After that, the back of the eyes is checked for any signs of blood, fluid or yellow deposits. The doctor will also ask you to look at a grid to test your central vision.
At the moment, there is no known cure for macular degeneration. The doctor can only recommend ways slowing it down. In case you are suffering from dry macular degeneration, you need to closely work with a specialist in low vision. They will take you through the different ways you can cope with loss of vision. When other methods fail, the doctor might suggest surgery. In that case, there is implanting of telescopic lens on eyes. That helps in magnifying your field of vision.
In the case of the wet version, you also need to work with a vision specialist. In addition to that, there is medication that could be placed directly into the eyes to stop growth of blood any new blood vessels. It will take weeks before a difference can be seen.
There are a number of ways of reducing the risk of macular degeneration. In the case of people who smoke, they will be required to quit. Also, one is advised to eat healthy means and take part in exercises. The best way to manage the condition is to diagnose it early.
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