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.
The earliest symptoms include problems seeing some colors and blurred vision. One will not be able to see fine details of objects. As the condition becomes worse, the individual loses center vision and will also find it difficult reading and driving. In the end, you will need bright light to do daily tasks, plus it becomes more difficult making judgment on distances. For some people, there will be visual hallucinations, in which they see things that are not necessarily 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 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.
There are different options of treatment. The use of lasers is an option. With the use of lasers, the doctor points lasers at extra blood vessels that are in the eyes so as to break them up. There could also be use of photodynamic therapy whereby there is placement of a light-sensitive drug into the body via the veins. The veins in the arms are used for that. There is then triggering of the drug using lasers so that there is destruction of blood vessels which are leading to the problem. For advanced cases, doctors might suggest that lens are replaced with a pea-sized telescope.
There are many high-tech devices which can help one to get through daily life. A telescope can be placed on your glasses so that one is able to see things which are far away. Computer software can turn words which are on the screen into speech that can be heard. Using closed-circuit television magnifiers makes it possible to see such things as books or needle-points on TV screens.
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.
There should be timely management of the condition. That is best done through periodic tests. It is a good idea to have appointments with eye doctors regularly to have the eyes examined.
The earliest symptoms include problems seeing some colors and blurred vision. One will not be able to see fine details of objects. As the condition becomes worse, the individual loses center vision and will also find it difficult reading and driving. In the end, you will need bright light to do daily tasks, plus it becomes more difficult making judgment on distances. For some people, there will be visual hallucinations, in which they see things that are not necessarily 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 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.
There are different options of treatment. The use of lasers is an option. With the use of lasers, the doctor points lasers at extra blood vessels that are in the eyes so as to break them up. There could also be use of photodynamic therapy whereby there is placement of a light-sensitive drug into the body via the veins. The veins in the arms are used for that. There is then triggering of the drug using lasers so that there is destruction of blood vessels which are leading to the problem. For advanced cases, doctors might suggest that lens are replaced with a pea-sized telescope.
There are many high-tech devices which can help one to get through daily life. A telescope can be placed on your glasses so that one is able to see things which are far away. Computer software can turn words which are on the screen into speech that can be heard. Using closed-circuit television magnifiers makes it possible to see such things as books or needle-points on TV screens.
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.
There should be timely management of the condition. That is best done through periodic tests. It is a good idea to have appointments with eye doctors regularly to have the eyes examined.
About the Author:
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment