Macular degeneration is the condition that causes most vision loss in individuals. The macular is a part of the retina which is the back part of eyes. Its role is to turn images in the eyes into signals that can be sent to the brain. Whenever the macular starts to break down, one finds it hard to see objects clearly. For instance, they could be able to see outlines of a clock but not the hands. When it comes to macular degeneration Washington DC residents need to be conversant with its effects and options of treatment.
Early symptoms will include having blurred vision and having problems seeing colors or finer details. As the condition worsens, one might end up losing their center vision. That will mean they will have problems doing such things as driving and even telling apart faces of people. That would mean brighter light is needed to see clearly. Judgment of distances will also not be easy. For others, there will be visual hallucinations.
There has never been any clarity as to what causes the condition. However, there is a connection with genetics. People that have it in their family are more likely to be affected. There is also the effect of lifestyle. For example, you will find that smokers have increased probability of suffering from it compared to non-smokers. There are two types of macular degeneration - wet and dry. The wet type is not 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 no assured treatment for macular degeneration. The best that one can do is make healthy choices to ensure that it is slowed down and the symptoms do not become worse. Those affected are advised to have regular exercise, protect their eyes from the sun using glasses and for those that smoke, they should quit. Diet should be rich in fish and vegetables.
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.
Early symptoms will include having blurred vision and having problems seeing colors or finer details. As the condition worsens, one might end up losing their center vision. That will mean they will have problems doing such things as driving and even telling apart faces of people. That would mean brighter light is needed to see clearly. Judgment of distances will also not be easy. For others, there will be visual hallucinations.
There has never been any clarity as to what causes the condition. However, there is a connection with genetics. People that have it in their family are more likely to be affected. There is also the effect of lifestyle. For example, you will find that smokers have increased probability of suffering from it compared to non-smokers. There are two types of macular degeneration - wet and dry. The wet type is not 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 no assured treatment for macular degeneration. The best that one can do is make healthy choices to ensure that it is slowed down and the symptoms do not become worse. Those affected are advised to have regular exercise, protect their eyes from the sun using glasses and for those that smoke, they should quit. Diet should be rich in fish and vegetables.
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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