Age Related Macular Degeneration
ee a very rapid decline in vision. There are a number of factors that can increase an individual's chances of contracting AMD. Smoking and obesity are two health hazards that can increase the odds of experiencing this form of vision loss. Caucasians and women also seem to be more likely to exhibit symptoms. There may also be a genetic factor involved.
There are two forms of age related macular degeneration, wet and dry. Wet AMD involves blood vessels behind the retina. In wet AMD, abnormal vessels in this area will begin to grow. If these abnormal blood vessels, which can be very fragile, should begin to leak fluid or blood, the macula can be moved from its correct location in the back of the eye. In this type of AMD, damage to the macula will occur rapidly and vision loss will come at a very fast pace. Dry age related macular degeneration will not show symptoms quite so quickly. With dry AMD, the macula will experience a more slow and gradual break down. Little by little, the central vision will begin to blur. A large, distorted spot in the center of the eye will start to build. Eventually, all vision in the center of the eye will dissipate. Patients who complain of slightly blurred vision may be experiencing the initial symptoms of dry AMD. Drusen, or yellow deposits under the retina may be the first definitive symptoms of the disease that a physician may be able to observe. These observations will occur during a dilated eye exam that is conducted by a medical professional.
Individuals who have lost their vision due to age related macular degeneration have a number of options that can help them to deal with this disability. Learning to function with limited vision can be very challenging. There are a number of resources available that can help victims of this illness with special training. With help, those with limited or even extremely low vision can lean to tackle the challenges of every day life. Counseling and classes may be available through various community organizations and medical services. Patients who suffer from age related macular degeneration do not need to be concerned about over using their eyes or using their eyes improperly. Activities such as watching television or, if possible, reading will not cause the disease to progress any faster. In the mean time, there are a number options for treatment that are being explored through research. Study into the genetic factors behind this debilitating condition may yield helpful information on what causes the illness. Some anti inflammatory medications may also offer promise in treating this disease. The possibility of transplanting healthy cells into the areas of the eye that are diseased is also being explored. When believers endure temptation, the Bible provides assurances that God has promised believers a crown of life. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12)
Contracting age related macular degeneration will not necessarily mean that both eyes will be affected. But even if only one eye experiences damage, the patient's overall vision will be impacted. Some patients are able to function by closing or blocking one eye for activities such as read, driving, or any type of detail work. The dry form of AMD is more prevalent than the wet form but it is possible for the illness to begin in the dry stage and eventually take on the characteristics of the wet form. There is no treatment for advanced AMD but there are a number of treatment options that are available for less serious cases.
Among the treatment options available for age related macular degeneration are laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and special injections. The object of laser surgery is to destroy the abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye that are the source of the problem. While this treatment can be effective, there is a high risk of new blood vessels forming later. Photodynamic therapy is a combination of injections and light treatments. There are also a number of new drugs that can be injected directly into the eye that have had promising results in helping to control this illness. With the help of a knowledgeable physician, patients can find relief from the symptoms of AMD.
There are two forms of age related macular degeneration, wet and dry. Wet AMD involves blood vessels behind the retina. In wet AMD, abnormal vessels in this area will begin to grow. If these abnormal blood vessels, which can be very fragile, should begin to leak fluid or blood, the macula can be moved from its correct location in the back of the eye. In this type of AMD, damage to the macula will occur rapidly and vision loss will come at a very fast pace. Dry age related macular degeneration will not show symptoms quite so quickly. With dry AMD, the macula will experience a more slow and gradual break down. Little by little, the central vision will begin to blur. A large, distorted spot in the center of the eye will start to build. Eventually, all vision in the center of the eye will dissipate. Patients who complain of slightly blurred vision may be experiencing the initial symptoms of dry AMD. Drusen, or yellow deposits under the retina may be the first definitive symptoms of the disease that a physician may be able to observe. These observations will occur during a dilated eye exam that is conducted by a medical professional.
Individuals who have lost their vision due to age related macular degeneration have a number of options that can help them to deal with this disability. Learning to function with limited vision can be very challenging. There are a number of resources available that can help victims of this illness with special training. With help, those with limited or even extremely low vision can lean to tackle the challenges of every day life. Counseling and classes may be available through various community organizations and medical services. Patients who suffer from age related macular degeneration do not need to be concerned about over using their eyes or using their eyes improperly. Activities such as watching television or, if possible, reading will not cause the disease to progress any faster. In the mean time, there are a number options for treatment that are being explored through research. Study into the genetic factors behind this debilitating condition may yield helpful information on what causes the illness. Some anti inflammatory medications may also offer promise in treating this disease. The possibility of transplanting healthy cells into the areas of the eye that are diseased is also being explored. When believers endure temptation, the Bible provides assurances that God has promised believers a crown of life. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12)
Contracting age related macular degeneration will not necessarily mean that both eyes will be affected. But even if only one eye experiences damage, the patient's overall vision will be impacted. Some patients are able to function by closing or blocking one eye for activities such as read, driving, or any type of detail work. The dry form of AMD is more prevalent than the wet form but it is possible for the illness to begin in the dry stage and eventually take on the characteristics of the wet form. There is no treatment for advanced AMD but there are a number of treatment options that are available for less serious cases.
Among the treatment options available for age related macular degeneration are laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and special injections. The object of laser surgery is to destroy the abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye that are the source of the problem. While this treatment can be effective, there is a high risk of new blood vessels forming later. Photodynamic therapy is a combination of injections and light treatments. There are also a number of new drugs that can be injected directly into the eye that have had promising results in helping to control this illness. With the help of a knowledgeable physician, patients can find relief from the symptoms of AMD.
Age Related Macular Degeneration
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