Macular degeneration is a common disorder of the eyes which causes central loss of vision. The central vision is what you see whenever you are looking straight ahead. The peripheral vision is what you are seeing on the sides when you are looking straight ahead. Macular degeneration never causes total blindness since it does not affect peripheral vision. When it comes to macular degeneration Washington DC residents need to be well-versed 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 condition tends to progress over a period of time, and gets worse. During the early stages, one might not notice any problems with their vision. Also, if both of the eyes are affected, you might not notice any change in your vision as the disease advances. Symptoms include difficulty in adapting to bright light, reduced central vision, blurred vision and trouble when it comes to recognizing faces.
The exact cause of the disease is not clear. There however are factors which will increase risk of one developing it. It is more likely to affect those who are above the age of 65, Caucasians, those who smoke and people who are overweight. Those with cardiovascular diseases are also at risk. For you to know whether you have it, it is important to go for annual checkup of the eyes. That should be even when you feel the eyes are normal. The doctor will ask about any vision changes you might be having.
There are various tests which can help to know whether you are suffering from the condition. The doctor might place into the eyes special eye drops which are used to dilate them. Thereafter, the back part can be checked for signs of fluid, yellow deposits or blood. Your central vision can also be checked using a test in which you are asked to look at a grid.
There is never really a cure for the condition but the doctor can recommend options for slowing it down. For those with dry macular degeneration, it is better to work with a low vision rehabilitation specialist. That specialist could teach you ways of adjusting and coping with loss of vision. There could also be surgery to improve vision, in which case there will be implanting of telescopic lens on the eyes. The lens magnifies field of vision.
In the case of wet macular degeneration, you need to closely work with eye specialists. There is medication which can be administered into the eyes to prevent any further growth of blood vessels. Outcome of treatment might take some weeks.
There are ways to reduce risk of macular degeneration. That includes quitting smoking, eating healthy meals and getting plenty of exercises. It would be better to have the condition diagnosed 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 condition tends to progress over a period of time, and gets worse. During the early stages, one might not notice any problems with their vision. Also, if both of the eyes are affected, you might not notice any change in your vision as the disease advances. Symptoms include difficulty in adapting to bright light, reduced central vision, blurred vision and trouble when it comes to recognizing faces.
The exact cause of the disease is not clear. There however are factors which will increase risk of one developing it. It is more likely to affect those who are above the age of 65, Caucasians, those who smoke and people who are overweight. Those with cardiovascular diseases are also at risk. For you to know whether you have it, it is important to go for annual checkup of the eyes. That should be even when you feel the eyes are normal. The doctor will ask about any vision changes you might be having.
There are various tests which can help to know whether you are suffering from the condition. The doctor might place into the eyes special eye drops which are used to dilate them. Thereafter, the back part can be checked for signs of fluid, yellow deposits or blood. Your central vision can also be checked using a test in which you are asked to look at a grid.
There is never really a cure for the condition but the doctor can recommend options for slowing it down. For those with dry macular degeneration, it is better to work with a low vision rehabilitation specialist. That specialist could teach you ways of adjusting and coping with loss of vision. There could also be surgery to improve vision, in which case there will be implanting of telescopic lens on the eyes. The lens magnifies field of vision.
In the case of wet macular degeneration, you need to closely work with eye specialists. There is medication which can be administered into the eyes to prevent any further growth of blood vessels. Outcome of treatment might take some weeks.
There are ways to reduce risk of macular degeneration. That includes quitting smoking, eating healthy meals and getting plenty of exercises. It would be better to have the condition diagnosed early.
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You can find details about the benefits you get when you consult a macular degeneration Washington DC specialist at http://www.bethesdaretina.com/services today.
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