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 is no clarity of what causes the condition. However, it is known that there is a connection with family history. One has higher chances of having it when they have a parent or siblings with the disease. Lifestyle also plays a role. For instance, smokers are more likely to have it as compared to those who do not. The two types of the condition are the wet type and dry type. The wet version is less common.
The process of diagnosis is an important one. There is placement of eye drops into eyes so that pupils are dilated to make the examination easy. The dilation makes it easy for a doctor to use an instrument known as an ophthalmoscope to check whether there are fatty deposits at the retina. When one goes for yearly exams, it becomes possible to spot early symptoms.
Treatment options are diverse. Laser surgery is one option. The doctor will point lasers at extra blood vessels in the eyes so that they broken up. There is also the option of using photodynamic therapy in which a light-sensitive drug is put into the body through veins in the arms. The drug is then is triggered using a laser for destruction of blood vessels that are causing problems. In advanced cases, the doctor might suggest replacement of lens with a telescope that is the size of a pea.
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.
The condition should start being managed in time. That is where periodic tests come in handy. People are advised to see eye doctors every once in a while.
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 is no clarity of what causes the condition. However, it is known that there is a connection with family history. One has higher chances of having it when they have a parent or siblings with the disease. Lifestyle also plays a role. For instance, smokers are more likely to have it as compared to those who do not. The two types of the condition are the wet type and dry type. The wet version is less common.
The process of diagnosis is an important one. There is placement of eye drops into eyes so that pupils are dilated to make the examination easy. The dilation makes it easy for a doctor to use an instrument known as an ophthalmoscope to check whether there are fatty deposits at the retina. When one goes for yearly exams, it becomes possible to spot early symptoms.
Treatment options are diverse. Laser surgery is one option. The doctor will point lasers at extra blood vessels in the eyes so that they broken up. There is also the option of using photodynamic therapy in which a light-sensitive drug is put into the body through veins in the arms. The drug is then is triggered using a laser for destruction of blood vessels that are causing problems. In advanced cases, the doctor might suggest replacement of lens with a telescope that is the size of a pea.
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.
The condition should start being managed in time. That is where periodic tests come in handy. People are advised to see eye doctors every once in a while.
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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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