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 is progressive and will get worse over time. You may even fail to notice problems with vision during early stages. Also, you may not notice vision change when the disease affects both of the eyes simultaneously. There are however general symptoms such as reduced central vision, blurred vision and problems recognizing faces of people. You will also experience problems adapting to very bright light.
The cause of the disease in some people is not really known. There are however factors that are known to increase risk of developing it. The risks include being over 65 years, being Caucasian, smoking, being overweight and having cardiovascular disease. In order to know whether you have the disease, you should have annual eye examinations even when you feel your vision is normal. When you see your doctor, you should tell them any vision changes you are experiencing.
There are various tests which need to be conducted to know whether one has the disease. For example, the doctor may use special type of eye drops to dilate eyes. After that is done, there is checking of back of the eyes for signs of blood, yellow deposits and fluids. At the same time, you will be asked to look at a grid so that your central vision is checked.
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 is progressive and will get worse over time. You may even fail to notice problems with vision during early stages. Also, you may not notice vision change when the disease affects both of the eyes simultaneously. There are however general symptoms such as reduced central vision, blurred vision and problems recognizing faces of people. You will also experience problems adapting to very bright light.
The cause of the disease in some people is not really known. There are however factors that are known to increase risk of developing it. The risks include being over 65 years, being Caucasian, smoking, being overweight and having cardiovascular disease. In order to know whether you have the disease, you should have annual eye examinations even when you feel your vision is normal. When you see your doctor, you should tell them any vision changes you are experiencing.
There are various tests which need to be conducted to know whether one has the disease. For example, the doctor may use special type of eye drops to dilate eyes. After that is done, there is checking of back of the eyes for signs of blood, yellow deposits and fluids. At the same time, you will be asked to look at a grid so that your central vision is checked.
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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