Many of us know a painfully familiarity with the increase in flaws in our bodies as we age. There is a tendency to sagging skin, hearing loss, receding hairline, and use the toilet more frequently than before.
But one of the most frightening and disadvantageous outcomes is poor vision. Decreasing vision, also known as vision disorders, is so common that nearly 30% of US adults over the age of 71 have it, studies have shown. Although many factors can occur, age-related macular degeneration is the main cause of vision loss in older adults.
Here’s what macular degeneration is, what causes it, and how you can expect it to be treated if it affects you or your loved one.
What is macular degeneration? What is AMD?
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is an incurable ocular disease that damages the central part of the retina known as the macula, and is “in charge of our central and detailed vision.” Laura di Meglio explains. OD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Wilmer I Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
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Damage to this area of the eye will gradually lose sharp central vision, with dark spots, distorted or wavy vision visible, and color is visible. In these ways, “AMD can seriously affect quality of life by making it difficult to see detailed details despite not causing complete blindness,” says Connecticut’s eye exam. says Inna Lazar, a doctor and founder of Greenwich Eye Care.
Such negative effects include difficulty driving and close-up activities such as reading, writing, cooking, sewing, and repairing things around the house. People with AMD may even have problems recognizing their faces, Lazar says.
There are two types of AMD, so symptoms vary: dry AMD and wet AMD. “Dry AMD is very common because about 80% of people with AMD have this form,” says Purnima, an ophthalmologist at ORA Vision in Georgia and a spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Patel says. It is characterized by the gradually fading of the macula with age. “Wet AMD is less common, but it affects your vision much faster,” says Patel. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow behind the eyes and damage the macula.
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What causes macular degeneration?
According to the American Foundation for Macular Degeneration, over 20 million Americans have AMD, but your risk increases dramatically with age. Aging is AMD’s only greatest contributor. This is because it is one of the best risk factors associated with poor vision, as cell regeneration slows as we age.
Several other factors are also thought to contribute to the development of AMD. These include family history of this condition, your race (whites are shown to be at higher risk, Patel says), and “smoking, excessive UV exposure, poor diet, high blood pressure , including environmental factors such as obesity, says Lazar.
Other locations for eye problems: Children’s vision is worsening. Special contact lenses may be the answer.
How is macular degeneration prevented and treated?
Regardless of which associated risk factors you are facing, there are ways to prevent or at least reduce the worst outcome of your condition. These include “eating lush greens and omega-3s, stop smoking, stay active, and keep blood pressure healthy lifestyle and dietary choices.”
Once AMD is diagnosed, a small number of treatment options will be available depending on which type of AMD you are dealing with. “To treat wet AMD, ophthalmologists usually use drugs called anti-VEGF drugs,” says Patel. She explains that anti-VEGF drugs are fed through a very thin needle and help to stop the container leakage. “This can slow or stop vision deterioration, or even improve your vision,” she explains.
It is best to consult an eye care professional about the best course of action, especially if you notice that your symptoms are getting worse. “It is important for patients with macular degeneration to check the vision of each eye on a daily basis,” Di Meglio added, adding, “We have noticed changes as rapid treatment helps prevent irreversible damage. If so, it’s important to notify your eye care provider.”