27 June 2006
Macular degeneration affects aging women
Age related macular degeneration is a condition of the eye where the ability to see is degraded, and in a worst case scenario can lead to poor vision.
From the Royal National Institute of the Blind fact sheet: Understanding age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Broadly speaking, there are two types of macular degeneration or AMD, usually referred to as “wet” and “dry”. This is not a description of what the eye feels like but what the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can see when looking at the macula.
“Dry” AMD is the most common form of the condition. It develops very slowly causing gradual loss of central vision. Many people find that the vision cells simply stop working like the colours fading in an old photograph. There is no medical treatment for this type. However, aids such as magnifiers can be helpful with reading and other small detailed tasks.
“Wet” AMD results in new blood vessels growing behind the retina, this causes bleeding and scarring, which can lead to sight loss. “Wet” AMD can develop quickly and sometimes responds to treatment in the early stages. It accounts for about 10 per cent of all people with AMD.
This condition is more prevalent in women than men but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. From the National Eye Institute:
Your lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD.
- Eat a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
- Don’t smoke.
- Maintain normal blood pressure.
- Watch your weight.
- Exercise.
AMD is detected during a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and tonometry. According to the National Institutes of Health on Age-related Macular Degeneration “You should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Your eye care professional can monitor your condition and check for other eye diseases. You may also be advised to take the AREDS supplementation.”
Macular degeneration affects aging women
Age related macular degeneration is a condition of the eye where the ability to see is degraded, and in a worst case scenario can lead to poor vision.
From the Royal National Institute of the Blind fact sheet: Understanding age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Broadly speaking, there are two types of macular degeneration or AMD, usually referred to as “wet” and “dry”. This is not a description of what the eye feels like but what the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can see when looking at the macula.
“Dry” AMD is the most common form of the condition. It develops very slowly causing gradual loss of central vision. Many people find that the vision cells simply stop working like the colours fading in an old photograph. There is no medical treatment for this type. However, aids such as magnifiers can be helpful with reading and other small detailed tasks.
“Wet” AMD results in new blood vessels growing behind the retina, this causes bleeding and scarring, which can lead to sight loss. “Wet” AMD can develop quickly and sometimes responds to treatment in the early stages. It accounts for about 10 per cent of all people with AMD.
This condition is more prevalent in women than men but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. From the National Eye Institute:
Your lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD.
- Eat a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
- Don’t smoke.
- Maintain normal blood pressure.
- Watch your weight.
- Exercise.
AMD is detected during a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and tonometry. According to the National Institutes of Health on Age-related Macular Degeneration “You should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Your eye care professional can monitor your condition and check for other eye diseases. You may also be advised to take the AREDS supplementation.”