As we age, our vision becomes more susceptible to certain diseases that can cause us to lose some or all of our sight. Age-related macular degeneration is one such disease, and it is the leading cause of major vision loss in seniors older than 60. Affecting the center of the retina, age-related macular degeneration causes vision distortion and loss in the center of the patient's vision. It can advance to permanent loss of central vision if not properly monitored.
Two Forms
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry form and wet form. The dry form is significantly more common than the wet form. In dry age-related macular degeneration, the center of the retina begins to have a presence of deposits known as drusen. These collect and grow as the patient ages and cause the vision to dim or distort. Patients usually notice this first as they are reading, finding that the text becomes blurry or otherwise distorted. Dry form macular degeneration can cause patients to ultimately have blind spots in the center of their vision or to lose sight in the center of their vision completely.
Wet form macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing around the retina, leaking blood and fluids into the retina. This form most often follows the presence of dry form degeneration and can cause permanent loss of the patient's center of vision due to the abnormal vessels scarring.
The Symptoms
Early on, age-related macular degeneration usually does not have any obvious symptoms. It normally must progress before the patient will notice difficulties. Patients older than 60 should be aware of blurry or dim spots in the middle of their vision. The disease can also manifest itself as a change in color perception.
Diagnosis
Fortunately, age-related macular deterioration is easy to detect and diagnose during a routine medical exam. The drusen, or yellow spots, on the retina are visible when your doctor inspects your retina. Doctors can also use charts with straight lines and grids to determine whether you are having difficulties seeing properly. Early detection is essential to reduce the severity of the disease and its progression, so patients older than 60 must be sure to have an eye exam at least once a year.
Treatments
Treatments are available to prevent severe vision loss and lessen the severity of age-related macular degeneration. Patients should be aware, however, that there is currently no cure for the disease. Laser therapy, anti-angiogenesis drugs, vitamins, low vision aids, and even certain eye surgeries may be able to help mitigate symptoms, but early detection is essential for most of these therapies to be effective.
Two Forms
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry form and wet form. The dry form is significantly more common than the wet form. In dry age-related macular degeneration, the center of the retina begins to have a presence of deposits known as drusen. These collect and grow as the patient ages and cause the vision to dim or distort. Patients usually notice this first as they are reading, finding that the text becomes blurry or otherwise distorted. Dry form macular degeneration can cause patients to ultimately have blind spots in the center of their vision or to lose sight in the center of their vision completely.
Wet form macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing around the retina, leaking blood and fluids into the retina. This form most often follows the presence of dry form degeneration and can cause permanent loss of the patient's center of vision due to the abnormal vessels scarring.
The Symptoms
Early on, age-related macular degeneration usually does not have any obvious symptoms. It normally must progress before the patient will notice difficulties. Patients older than 60 should be aware of blurry or dim spots in the middle of their vision. The disease can also manifest itself as a change in color perception.
Diagnosis
Fortunately, age-related macular deterioration is easy to detect and diagnose during a routine medical exam. The drusen, or yellow spots, on the retina are visible when your doctor inspects your retina. Doctors can also use charts with straight lines and grids to determine whether you are having difficulties seeing properly. Early detection is essential to reduce the severity of the disease and its progression, so patients older than 60 must be sure to have an eye exam at least once a year.
Treatments
Treatments are available to prevent severe vision loss and lessen the severity of age-related macular degeneration. Patients should be aware, however, that there is currently no cure for the disease. Laser therapy, anti-angiogenesis drugs, vitamins, low vision aids, and even certain eye surgeries may be able to help mitigate symptoms, but early detection is essential for most of these therapies to be effective.
Dr. Grace Kim is Chairperson for Clinical Advisory Panel of America's Best, a nationwide eyeglasses retailer. With over 300 locations nationwide, America's Best provides thousands of high quality eyewear to customers every day. They carry a wide selection of designer eyeglasses and contact lenses in each of their stores, and they also offer eye exams. Learn more about designer eyeglasses at http://www.twopair.com/eyeglasses/designer-glasses/
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