What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss. AMD destroys macula, which is apart of the retina, which provides sharp and focused vision. The condition develops as you age. 

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There are two main types of AMD:

 

1. Dry Form

Here we can see the presence of drusen (yellow deposits) in the macula. As the amount of drusen increases, it leads to distortion in vision. It can also cause thinning of the light-sensitive layers of cells of the macula, which may lead to the death of tissues, and gradual vision loss. 

2.Wet Form

This is more serious than the dry form. Here abnormal blood vessels are grown from the choroid membrane behind the macula. Your vision may get distorted because of the blood vessels leak, and the fluid enters into the retina. It can also lead to blind spots and loss of the central vision.

Symptoms of AMD

 

• Blurry vision.
• Straight lines look curved
• Difficulty in reading.
• Can not see details in low light.
• Highly sensitive to glare.
• Central vision will not be clear.

Risk factors

• Age – It is the number one risk factor that leads to AMD.
• Family history - children with parents suffering from AMD have an increased chance of acquiring AMD.
• Smoking- anything which reduces oxygen supply to the retina can cause AMD.
• Gender - Females are more likely to get AMD.
• Too much exposure to the sun can lead to AMD.
• Obesity.
• Diet plays a vital role in developing AMD.
• High blood pressure also restricts oxygen flow to the retina, thus leads to AMD.

Tips for Protecting Eye Health and Preventing Macular Degeneration

• Eat a nutritious and healthy diet which includes green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange fruit, fish, and grains.
• Try to maintain a healthy diet.
• Quit the habit of smoking.
• Your blood pressure must always be in control.
• Wear sunglasses when exposed to the sun.
• Consult an eye specialist for a regular eye examination.

Treatments for AMD

 

The treatment for early dry AMD is  good nutrition .You must have a healthy diet plan by including food which is rich in antioxidants that can keep the cells of macula healthy. Wet AMD can be treated with anti VEGF injection for regression of abnormal blood vessels . Sealing of the blood vessels associated with wet AMD can be done with a laser. Implantable Telescope Technology is another method of treating AMD Where they implant a tiny telescope which can help to improve your vision. Intake of certain vitamin tablets can also increase the quality of vision.

At Amrit Hospital Chennai, our expert doctors and technicians strive to provide quality treatment for all your eye problems.

Visit Us : amrithospitals.com

Blog reviewed by: Dr. Lalit Kumar
Mail Us: amrithospitalchennai@gmail.com
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