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.
If the general practitioner ascertains that you are indeed suffering from AMD, they will refer you to an eye specialist (also known as an ophthalmologist). The specialist will take your clinical history and conduct additional tests on the affected ayes so as to determine the type of AMD you may be suffering from. There are two main types; the dry and the wet type. The former is more common and is caused by accumulation of a deposit known as drusen in the eye.
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 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.
If the general practitioner ascertains that you are indeed suffering from AMD, they will refer you to an eye specialist (also known as an ophthalmologist). The specialist will take your clinical history and conduct additional tests on the affected ayes so as to determine the type of AMD you may be suffering from. There are two main types; the dry and the wet type. The former is more common and is caused by accumulation of a deposit known as drusen in the eye.
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 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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