Macular degeneration – Its symptoms, causes, and management

Macular degeneration – Its symptoms, causes, and management
Macular degeneration is an eye condition affecting the central vision. This means that people with macular degeneration fail to see what may be right before them. It’s predominantly an age-related condition, typically occurring in people over 50. It affects the retina’s central part, the macula, but those with it do not have complete vision loss, as they can still see things on the side. This article lists the treatment, causes, and symptoms of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration symptoms People do not show any noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages. Moreover, it may not even get diagnosed until it aggravates or affects both eyes.

Macular degeneration – Causes, signs, management, and prevention

Macular degeneration – Causes, signs, management, and prevention
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that makes the central vision blurry. It typically affects people over 60. While the condition can worsen over time, it often does not cause absolute vision loss. It affects the central portion of the retina, which is a layer behind the eyeball containing light-sensitive cells that allow one to see. So, when affected, one might have trouble recognizing faces, reading, and driving; however, their peripheral vision stays intact. Causes While macular degeneration can be an inherited eye condition, it may develop without a family history of the condition. Here, the macula begins to deteriorate, often due to aging.

Top management options for wet macular degeneration

Top management options for wet macular degeneration
The macula is a crucial component of the retina that plays a crucial role in clear vision, enabling people to see objects straight ahead. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that compromises the macula, manifesting in two main forms – dry and wet AMD. Although there’s no cure for wet macular degeneration, timely diagnosis and treatment can delay its progression and potentially restore lost vision. Continue reading to explore wet macular degeneration treatments. Prescription treatments Some prescription treatments aim to cease the growth of new blood vessels. They address the biological factors contributing to abnormal blood vessel growth. Besides this, prescription remedies also aim to target the pathways involved in the progression of the disease, stabilize vision, and reduce leakage of blood or fluid.

Macular degeneration – Foods to eat and avoid

Macular degeneration – Foods to eat and avoid
It is possible to slow down and prevent the progression of age-related macular degeneration by altering nutrient intake. A meal plan rich in vegetables and fruits containing yellow, orange, and green pigments is recommended. Additionally, it is important to include omega-3 fatty acids in daily routine in addition to any ongoing treatments for dry macular degeneration. Studies have shown that certain minerals and vitamins can also help prevent macular degeneration. Foods to eat Colorful leafy vegetables Macula has antioxidants (carotenoids)—red and yellow pigments that guard the photoreceptor cells vital for vision. So, eating vegetables with carotenoids (mainly zeaxanthin and lutein) helps boost the degree of protective pigment around the macula and can slow or prevent AMD.