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.
Your GP will refer you to an eye specialist if they are convinced that you are suffering from AMD. The specialist, also known as ophalmologist, will conduct additional tests to determine the cause and hence the sub-type of AMD that you may be suffering from. There are two types known; dry and wet. The dry type is the result of deposition of a substance known as drusen.
The wet or serous type is less common and accounts for about 10% of all the cases of AMD. The underlying problem here is the damage of blood vessels found within the macula. This consequently results in damage of affected cells. This is why it is also termed neovascular AMD. Although less common, this type is more severe and more rapidly progressive.
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.
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 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.
Your GP will refer you to an eye specialist if they are convinced that you are suffering from AMD. The specialist, also known as ophalmologist, will conduct additional tests to determine the cause and hence the sub-type of AMD that you may be suffering from. There are two types known; dry and wet. The dry type is the result of deposition of a substance known as drusen.
The wet or serous type is less common and accounts for about 10% of all the cases of AMD. The underlying problem here is the damage of blood vessels found within the macula. This consequently results in damage of affected cells. This is why it is also termed neovascular AMD. Although less common, this type is more severe and more rapidly progressive.
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.
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 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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