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.
You should suspect AMD when you start experiencing blurred vision that is progressive in severity. You will also notice that reading is becoming difficult due to the impairment of central vision. The colors might not be as vibrant as before and facial recognition of people poses a major challenge. In a few cases, the progression of symptoms is quite rapid. Visit your general practitioner for a comprehensive eye checkup and diagnosis.
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 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 leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly. It is estimated that 10% of persons aged 60 years and above are affected. In rare circumstances, AMD has been diagnosed in younger patients. When encountered, the condition is usually the result of an underlying disease. The management is the same as that of the adult type.
You should suspect AMD when you start experiencing blurred vision that is progressive in severity. You will also notice that reading is becoming difficult due to the impairment of central vision. The colors might not be as vibrant as before and facial recognition of people poses a major challenge. In a few cases, the progression of symptoms is quite rapid. Visit your general practitioner for a comprehensive eye checkup and diagnosis.
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 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 leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly. It is estimated that 10% of persons aged 60 years and above are affected. In rare circumstances, AMD has been diagnosed in younger patients. When encountered, the condition is usually the result of an underlying disease. The management is the same as that of the adult type.
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Find an overview of the benefits of receiving macular degeneration treatment Bethesda area and more info about an experienced eye doctor at http://www.bethesdaretina.com/services now.
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