Macular degeneration is a disorder that is common and leads to loss of central vision. The central vision refers to what you see as you walk looking straight ahead. There is also the peripheral vision which is what you get ti see on the sides whenever you walk looking ahead. The disease does not however lead to total blindness since it has no affect on peripheral vision. When it comes to disease known as macular degeneration Washington DC residents ought to be conversant with it.
There are two major forms of the disease. The first is the dry type which is more common and affects about 85 percent of people suffering from the condition. It is caused by yellow deposits that are formed below the macular. After some time, the deposits will lead to damage of the retina and loss of vision. The second type is wet macular degeneration which affects approximately 15 percent of people suffering from the disease. Such people will usually see dark spots at the center of their vision which is brought about by bleeding of different vessels.
The disease is progressive, which means it gets worse over a period of time. You might fail to notice any vision problems at the early stages. At the same time, you might end up not noticing changes in vision when it affects both of your eyes at the same time. General symptoms include reduction on central vision, difficulty adapting to bright lights, blurriness and trouble recognizing faces.
The exact cause of macular degeneration has never been known. However, there are people who are at greater risk of developing it. It mostly affects people above 65 years, those who are Caucasian, people with cardiovascular disease and those who are overweight. You should schedule an annual eye examination to know whether you are suffering from it. The examination is important even for people who may feel their vision is normal. You should let the doctor know of any vision problems you could be experiencing.
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.
There is not any known cure for macular degeneration. The doctor can however recommend options to slow down its progress. In the case of the dry type, you should work closely with low vision rehabilitation professional. They will teach you different ways of adjusting with to the vision loss and how to cope. In some instances, there will be surgery. For the surgery, a telescopic lens will be implanted on your eyes so that field of vision is magnified.
For the wet type, you would also need to work with a specialist. The doctor might also administer medication directly into the eyes so that growth of new blood vessels is stopped. The treatment might take weeks before a difference is seen.
There are a number of ways to minimize risk of suffering from the disease. For those who smoke, it will be advisable to stop. You will also be advised to get plenty of exercises and eat healthy. It is always important to have diagnosis done early.
There are two major forms of the disease. The first is the dry type which is more common and affects about 85 percent of people suffering from the condition. It is caused by yellow deposits that are formed below the macular. After some time, the deposits will lead to damage of the retina and loss of vision. The second type is wet macular degeneration which affects approximately 15 percent of people suffering from the disease. Such people will usually see dark spots at the center of their vision which is brought about by bleeding of different vessels.
The disease is progressive, which means it gets worse over a period of time. You might fail to notice any vision problems at the early stages. At the same time, you might end up not noticing changes in vision when it affects both of your eyes at the same time. General symptoms include reduction on central vision, difficulty adapting to bright lights, blurriness and trouble recognizing faces.
The exact cause of macular degeneration has never been known. However, there are people who are at greater risk of developing it. It mostly affects people above 65 years, those who are Caucasian, people with cardiovascular disease and those who are overweight. You should schedule an annual eye examination to know whether you are suffering from it. The examination is important even for people who may feel their vision is normal. You should let the doctor know of any vision problems you could be experiencing.
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.
There is not any known cure for macular degeneration. The doctor can however recommend options to slow down its progress. In the case of the dry type, you should work closely with low vision rehabilitation professional. They will teach you different ways of adjusting with to the vision loss and how to cope. In some instances, there will be surgery. For the surgery, a telescopic lens will be implanted on your eyes so that field of vision is magnified.
For the wet type, you would also need to work with a specialist. The doctor might also administer medication directly into the eyes so that growth of new blood vessels is stopped. The treatment might take weeks before a difference is seen.
There are a number of ways to minimize risk of suffering from the disease. For those who smoke, it will be advisable to stop. You will also be advised to get plenty of exercises and eat healthy. It is always important to have diagnosis done early.
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