Know the facts about age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

The ability to see is part of the five senses, which we use not only to experience the world, but better our health. Over time, vision loss may occur and make our ability to see more difficult. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss in America. Roughly 1.8-million Americans are estimated to have AMD, according to the Centers of Disease Control.

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that progresses with age. It begins to affect people over the age of 40 by hindering sharp and central vision. Central vision is used for activities such as reading and driving. When central vision begins to deteriorate it can make daily tasks quite difficult.

AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina, which allows for fine details to be seen. AMD can come in two forms: Wet or dry.

Causes and symptoms of age-related macular degeneration

Causes of age-related macular degeneration depend on which type it is. Wet AMD results when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina grow under the macula. This leads to blood and fluid leakage. In this form of AMD central vision loss may be rapid.

Dry AMD, on the other hand, is when the macula becomes thinner through aging. Roughly 70 to 90 percent of AMD cases are the dry form. Unlike wet AMD, dry AMD progresses slowly, and it can affect either one or both eyes.

9 symptoms of dry age-related macular degeneration

• Needing brighter light when looking at something closely
• Trouble adapting to low light
• Printed words become increasingly blurry
• Colors don’t appear as vibrant
• Faces become harder to recognize
• Haziness increases in central vision
• Central vision may appear crooked
• Blurry central vision or a blind spot appears
• In advanced AMD, hallucinations of geometric shapes.

Risk factors of AMD

The biggest risk factor for age-related macular degeneration is aging. Beginning as early as 40, people can begin to notice changes to their central vision. Other uncontrollable factors of AMD include race – Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD – and family history. Although you cannot control aging, race and family history, there are other risk factors which increase your risk that are manageable.

5 additional risk factors of AMD

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet
• Elevated cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease.

Treatment and prevention of age-related macular degeneration

Although treatment cannot reverse dry AMD, it can help improve vision so you can continue to live a normal, healthy life. The use of corrective lenses, either glasses or contacts, can help improve your central vision. To monitor progress of AMD, it’s important to get annual check-ups with an ophthalmologist. For detection, annual visits to the optometrist is key.

Just as an unhealthy diet can increase one’s risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, eating a healthy diet can improve it. Ensure you’re enjoying a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are powerhouses that contain many essential nutrients.

Eye exercises, as well, may help maintain vision. Healthy lifestyles habits, as well, can work to maintain vision health. Not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol and wearing protective eyewear – sunglasses, safety goggles – can all contribute to healthier vision and slow down progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Related Reading:

10 ways to improve night vision naturally

Sights like the moonlight shimmering on a lake, the romance of candlelight, the exhilarating beauty of a fireworks display, or even the cozy atmosphere of a campfire. It’s incredible how the brushes of artificial and natural light paint vivid strokes against the canvas of a dark night. Continue reading…

How to prevent cataracts naturally

For most people, cataracts develop slowly and don’t disrupt your vision early on. But with time, and age, this will interfere with your daily life and you’ll need eyeglasses. You may need surgery down the road, generally a safe and effective procedure. But still…the question is how to slow down cataracts? Are there natural remedies for cataracts in eyes? Is there a natural way to cure cataract even? Continue reading…

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/macular-degeneration/basics/risk-factors/con-20075882
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/macular-degeneration/age-related-macular-degeneration-overview
https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts
http://www.medicinenet.com/macular_degeneration/article.htm
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd-prevention.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basic_information/eye_disorders.htm