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 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 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 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.
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 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 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.
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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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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