Macular Degeneration
Most people over 50 suffer from macular degeneration, which causes vision loss. At the back of your eye, it damages a small area of nerve cells. The macula is composed of these cells. They give you a clear, unobstructed view. One or both eyes can be affected by macular degeneration. It is common for vision loss to occur slowly over time. In addition to identifying your risks, taking preventative measures, recognizing the signs, and taking action early, knowing more about the disorder can help reduce your risk.
1. Genetics and the environment both play a role in it.
It is not known what causes macular degeneration. This condition may be a natural part of aging for some people. Other people may have genetic predispositions. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, you may be at higher risk. You are also more likely to get the condition if you smoke or are overweight. Your risk can increase if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Your overall health, including your vision, depends on managing these conditions.
2. Central vision is lost due to macular degeneration.
Vision loss is not the main symptom of macular generation. Your vision may be blurred or blank in certain areas. In small print or with dim light, you may have difficulty reading. A change in color or crooked or curved lines may be noticeable. In case of any of these symptoms, consult an eye doctor.
3. Symptoms may not appear until an eye doctor diagnoses them.
An eye specialist or ophthalmologist can diagnose macular degeneration by doing a complete eye exam. The process involves putting drops into your eye to dilate or open the pupil. Your eye doctor can view the back of your eye with a magnifying lens. Macular degeneration can be detected early with this exam. It is possible to identify the type and extent of your macular degeneration through other tests.
4. Types and stages of macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration occurs in different stages and has different types. Your eye doctor will determine whether it is nascent, intermediate, or late. Usually, early-stage macular degeneration does not have any symptoms. However, the intermediate stage may have a few. It can take up to ten years for the early stage to progress to the late stage. Late-stage macular degeneration can be either wet or dry. Dry-type macular degeneration causes a gradual loss of central vision, while wet-type macular degeneration is less joint but causes a rapid loss of central vision.
5. Prevention strategies for macular degeneration.
You could reduce your likelihood of macular degeneration by following these steps:
- Work with your physician to maintain a healthy weight
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Eat plenty of fish and leafy greens.
- Antioxidant supplements may also help to slow the progression of the disease
- Avoid smoking, as it negatively impacts every area of your health, including your vision.
6. Save vision with early treatment.
Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, you may be able to preserve some of your vision. The only treatments for early, intermediate, and dry macular degeneration are lifestyle changes and diet supplements. Wet macular degeneration may be treated by administering medication into your eye. Another option for the wet type is laser surgery. These treatments may halt further vision changes.
7. Several tools can make a living with low vision easier.
While macular degeneration may not lead to blindness, it can result in low vision. This is a type of vision loss that cannot be improved with surgery or glasses. This can make it challenging to carry out everyday tasks. However, vision rehabilitation can help. This may include working with a team of vision experts and using low-vision aids. Some examples of low-vision aids are magnifying devices, audiobooks, talking clocks, and special lighting.
8. Understand how to manage macular degeneration.
Although it can be frightening to experience any vision loss, there are things you can do to help yourself. Making positive changes to your lifestyle and building a good relationship with your eye care team are both critical. Additionally, try to learn as much as possible about the disease. With the proper care, most people who have macular degeneration are still able to live active and productive lives.