September 05, 2018
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss. The macular is part of the retina. The retina is the back section of the eyes that transforms images into signals which are sent to the brain. When the macular breaks down, one will be unable to see details clearly. For example, you could be able to see the outline of a wall clock but not its hands. When it comes to the condition known as macular degeneration Washington DC residents should be versed with facts about it.
The early symptoms include blurred vision and problems seeing colors and finer details. As it gets worse, you will lose your center vision and there will be trouble driving, reading and telling apart the faces of people. You will end up needing brighter light for doing daily tasks, and it will be harder judging distances. There is also possibility of visual hallucinations, in which one sees things that are not there.
There has never been clarity as to what the cause of macular degeneration is. It is however known to be genetic. That means that people in whose families it runs are more likely to suffer from it. Lifestyle is also known to be a factor leading to it. Smokers for instances are more likely to be affected than non smokers. There are two types of the condition, the wet type and dry type. The latter is never as common.
The diagnosis for the condition is important. There will be eye drops placed in the eyes to dilate the pupils. This makes it possible for the doctor to use an ophthalmoscope for looking for any fatty deposits or any signs of trouble at the back of the retina. Having yearly eye exams will help doctors to spot early signs before one experiences symptoms.
There are different options of management of the condition. There is laser surgery in which a doctor points lasers at extra blood vessels. This is done so that they get broken up. There could also be photodynamic therapy that uses a light sensitive drug which is injected into the body through veins in the arms. After the injection, the drug is triggered by a laser so that blood vessels that are affected are destroyed. In more advanced cases, the lens is replaced by a telescope.
There are a number of high-tech devices which those affected can use to make their lives easier. The placement of a telescope into the eyes will make it possible to see far-off objects. There is computer software that will turn words into speech that can be heard. The use of closed-circuit TV magnifier also makes it possible to see minute things like writings in books.
There is never a cure for the condition, just ways of reducing symptoms. Nevertheless, one should lead a healthy lifestyle so that it does not advance fast and so that symptoms do not worsen. There should be regular exercise and the use of sunglasses to protect the eyes. For those that smoke, it is advisable to quit. As regards diet, one should eat foods rich in vegetables and fish.
It is important to start management of the condition well in advance. Going for periodic check up will help greatly. A doctor should examine the eyes every once in a while to check whether one has it or the extent to which it has gotten.
The early symptoms include blurred vision and problems seeing colors and finer details. As it gets worse, you will lose your center vision and there will be trouble driving, reading and telling apart the faces of people. You will end up needing brighter light for doing daily tasks, and it will be harder judging distances. There is also possibility of visual hallucinations, in which one sees things that are not there.
There has never been clarity as to what the cause of macular degeneration is. It is however known to be genetic. That means that people in whose families it runs are more likely to suffer from it. Lifestyle is also known to be a factor leading to it. Smokers for instances are more likely to be affected than non smokers. There are two types of the condition, the wet type and dry type. The latter is never as common.
The diagnosis for the condition is important. There will be eye drops placed in the eyes to dilate the pupils. This makes it possible for the doctor to use an ophthalmoscope for looking for any fatty deposits or any signs of trouble at the back of the retina. Having yearly eye exams will help doctors to spot early signs before one experiences symptoms.
There are different options of management of the condition. There is laser surgery in which a doctor points lasers at extra blood vessels. This is done so that they get broken up. There could also be photodynamic therapy that uses a light sensitive drug which is injected into the body through veins in the arms. After the injection, the drug is triggered by a laser so that blood vessels that are affected are destroyed. In more advanced cases, the lens is replaced by a telescope.
There are a number of high-tech devices which those affected can use to make their lives easier. The placement of a telescope into the eyes will make it possible to see far-off objects. There is computer software that will turn words into speech that can be heard. The use of closed-circuit TV magnifier also makes it possible to see minute things like writings in books.
There is never a cure for the condition, just ways of reducing symptoms. Nevertheless, one should lead a healthy lifestyle so that it does not advance fast and so that symptoms do not worsen. There should be regular exercise and the use of sunglasses to protect the eyes. For those that smoke, it is advisable to quit. As regards diet, one should eat foods rich in vegetables and fish.
It is important to start management of the condition well in advance. Going for periodic check up will help greatly. A doctor should examine the eyes every once in a while to check whether one has it or the extent to which it has gotten.
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You can find an overview of the benefits and advantages you get when you consult a macular degeneration Washington DC specialist at http://www.bethesdaretina.com/services right now.
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