Macular degeneration is the condition that causes most vision loss in individuals. The macular is a part of the retina which is the back part of eyes. Its role is to turn images in the eyes into signals that can be sent to the brain. Whenever the macular starts to break down, one finds it hard to see objects clearly. For instance, they could be able to see outlines of a clock but not the hands. When it comes to macular degeneration Washington DC residents need to be conversant with its effects and options of treatment.
Early symptoms will include having blurred vision and having problems seeing colors or finer details. As the condition worsens, one might end up losing their center vision. That will mean they will have problems doing such things as driving and even telling apart faces of people. That would mean brighter light is needed to see clearly. Judgment of distances will also not be easy. For others, there will be visual hallucinations.
There has never been any clarity as to what causes the condition. However, there is a connection with genetics. People that have it in their family are more likely to be affected. There is also the effect of lifestyle. For example, you will find that smokers have increased probability of suffering from it compared to non-smokers. There are two types of macular degeneration - wet and dry. The wet type is not as common.
Diagnosis for the condition is an important aspect. The doctor will place eyedroppers into the eyes so that the pupils are dilated. That way, it will be possible to use an ophthalmoscope to check for any deposits of fat and any other foreign matter at the back of the retina. There should be a yearly examination of eyes so that doctors can detect any early signs of the condition.
Treatment options are diverse. Laser surgery is one option. The doctor will point lasers at extra blood vessels in the eyes so that they broken up. There is also the option of using photodynamic therapy in which a light-sensitive drug is put into the body through veins in the arms. The drug is then is triggered using a laser for destruction of blood vessels that are causing problems. In advanced cases, the doctor might suggest replacement of lens with a telescope that is the size of a pea.
There are various devices that one can use to be able to go about daily activities with ease. There is the option of having a telescope placed on your glasses so that objects that are far away can be seen with ease. There is computer software that is able to convert words on screens into speech. Through the use of CCTV magnifiers, it will be possible to see small writings like those in books or small objects.
There is no assured treatment for macular degeneration. The best that one can do is make healthy choices to ensure that it is slowed down and the symptoms do not become worse. Those affected are advised to have regular exercise, protect their eyes from the sun using glasses and for those that smoke, they should quit. Diet should be rich in fish and vegetables.
It is important to start management of the condition well in advance. Going for periodic check up will help greatly. A doctor should examine the eyes every once in a while to check whether one has it or the extent to which it has gotten.
Early symptoms will include having blurred vision and having problems seeing colors or finer details. As the condition worsens, one might end up losing their center vision. That will mean they will have problems doing such things as driving and even telling apart faces of people. That would mean brighter light is needed to see clearly. Judgment of distances will also not be easy. For others, there will be visual hallucinations.
There has never been any clarity as to what causes the condition. However, there is a connection with genetics. People that have it in their family are more likely to be affected. There is also the effect of lifestyle. For example, you will find that smokers have increased probability of suffering from it compared to non-smokers. There are two types of macular degeneration - wet and dry. The wet type is not as common.
Diagnosis for the condition is an important aspect. The doctor will place eyedroppers into the eyes so that the pupils are dilated. That way, it will be possible to use an ophthalmoscope to check for any deposits of fat and any other foreign matter at the back of the retina. There should be a yearly examination of eyes so that doctors can detect any early signs of the condition.
Treatment options are diverse. Laser surgery is one option. The doctor will point lasers at extra blood vessels in the eyes so that they broken up. There is also the option of using photodynamic therapy in which a light-sensitive drug is put into the body through veins in the arms. The drug is then is triggered using a laser for destruction of blood vessels that are causing problems. In advanced cases, the doctor might suggest replacement of lens with a telescope that is the size of a pea.
There are various devices that one can use to be able to go about daily activities with ease. There is the option of having a telescope placed on your glasses so that objects that are far away can be seen with ease. There is computer software that is able to convert words on screens into speech. Through the use of CCTV magnifiers, it will be possible to see small writings like those in books or small objects.
There is no assured treatment for macular degeneration. The best that one can do is make healthy choices to ensure that it is slowed down and the symptoms do not become worse. Those affected are advised to have regular exercise, protect their eyes from the sun using glasses and for those that smoke, they should quit. Diet should be rich in fish and vegetables.
It is important to start management of the condition well in advance. Going for periodic check up will help greatly. A doctor should examine the eyes every once in a while to check whether one has it or the extent to which it has gotten.
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