11 April 2011

What Is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Age related macular Degeneration is a disease of the eye which results in a loss of vision. Macular degeneration usually affects older adults. In AMD, damaging the retina results in the loss of vision in the center of the field of vision. II is one of the main causes of visual impairment in the elderly.The first signs of macular degeneration are yellow deposits in the macula called drusen. Most individuals with drusen have normal vision. Some people with drusen continue to develop the most advanced macular degeneration and others never do. Recent studies indicate that the development of drusen is sometimes associated with high levels of cholesterol. Drusen are large and soft can respond to the lowering of cholestrol medications.Generation macular changes in the Centre of the field of vision, rapid changes in Visual acuity and the difficulty in discerning colors for signs of age. Most of the individuals with the condition do not experience total vision loss. For those who have advanced AMD, loss of central vision may affect the activities of the person of daily life. For example, a person with advanced macular degeneration is perhaps not able to read or write.The causes of the age of the macular degeneration are not completely understood. It is believed that age and family history play an important role. Lifestyle factors that can play a role in the development of AMD are hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, high in fat, smoking, and intake excessive exposure to the Sun.Although rare, AMD can advance to total blindness and make it impossible for a person to drive. People with advanced AMD may find it difficult to read and distinguish faces. Fortunately, devices exist to help people function as normally as possible, to the condition. They include things like special monitors, books, audio and computer programs modified.Currently no cure for AMD does exist, however, a large amount of research is made and it is promising. It is believed that two substances, lutein and zeaxanthin, reduce the risk of AMD. A trial is currently underway to assess their effectiveness in the prevention of AMD high risk. The results won't be available for at least three years more. Another promising piece of research shows that Omega-3 fatty acids can stop the progress of AMD in the early stages of the disease. These supplements are extremely effective in supporting healthy eyes and the treatment of this disease.Age related macular degeneration can be a devastating diagnosis. Fortunately, its progress can be slowed in many cases. Other cases of AMD can be effectively managed. This is why it is important to make the annual vision tests and those over 50 years, bi-annual reviews should be conducted, so that early diagnosis and treatment are possible.