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Can you drive when you have wet macular degeneration?
Driving with wet macular degeneration can be challenging and may not be safe, as this condition affects central vision, which is crucial for tasks like reading road signs and recognizing pedestrians. Individuals with wet macular degeneration should consult with an eye care professional to assess their vision and determine if they meet the necessary visual acuity standards for driving. Regular eye exams and monitoring of the condition are essential for making informed decisions about driving safety.
What You Should Know About Macular Degeneration?
For many people, macular degeneration is a natural consequence of aging. Macular degeneration refers to the gradual decline in vision quality, specifically, in the center of the field of vision (called the macula), and occurs as a result of damage to the retina. About 10 percent of people aged 66 to 74 experience macular degeneration, and for people over 75 years old, this proportion increases to over 30 percent. Macular degeneration can come in one of two forms: "wet" and "dry." Each type is characterized by a different form of damage leading to the loss of vision.Dry macular degeneration is caused by damage to the cells beneath the retina, which can kill the rod and cone cells that receive visual information. Unfortunately, no treatment seems to be effective in preventing the death of these cells. However, certain antioxidants can help slow down this process, and in some cases, even slightly improve vision.Wet macular degeneration is caused by the swelling of certain blood vessels, which creates a leakage of blood and proteins into the macular area. The bleeding and scarring process damages the rod and cone cells, and, if left untreated, can cause rapid damage to vision, unlike the slow progress of dry macular degeneration. This form of the disease can be treated by the direct injection of drugs called anti-angiogenics into the eye. These drugs prevent the growth of blood vessels, so they allow the swollen vessels to retract, and the eye to heal. However, only about 10 percent of all macular degeneration cases are wet, so a cure for most cases has yet to be foundWhile macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, there are some symptoms that it is generally associated with. These can include: blurred vision, a decrease in visual acuity, seeing shadows or blind spots in part of the visual field, an increase in peripheral vision (in the wet form), and distorted vision, specifically with regards to seeing straight lines as wavy. Since only about 2 percent of the visual field consists of the macula, most vision is still retained, but the macula is important to sight (for example, it's essential for reading) so consulting an ophthalmologist is crucial if visual changes are noted.
Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration commonly occurs in individuals over the age of 60 and causes loss of the central field of vision. The disease occurs when the macula, which is located within the center of the retina, gradually deteriorates over time. The following discusses the symptoms, treatment and prevention of macular degeneration.SymptomsThe development of macular degeneration happens over a period of time, with subtle changes in vision. The symptoms of macular degeneration include problems recognizing faces, blurry or dark areas in the central field of vision, distorted or blurred vision and reduced color perception.TreatmentWhile macular degeneration cannot be cured, there are many options available that can help to prevent against complete vision loss and slow the progression of the disease. Taking daily vitamins and anti-oxidants can reduce the risk of vision loss, specifically vitamins C, A, E, copper and zinc. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish can also reduce the risk of vision loss amongst individuals with advanced progression of macular degenerationLaser therapy, which destroys the irregular growth of blood vessels within the eye, can help to improve the central field of vision. Surgery is also an option, and involves the implantation of a telescopic lens inside the eye. This device helps to enlarge images and can better close-up and distance vision.PreventionThere are numerous preventative methods that can significantly reduce a person's risk for developing macular degeneration. Since smoking is a major risk factor for the disease, smokers should aim to quit smoking to lower their risk. Protecting the eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses that block the effects of UV rays can also help to prevent macular degeneration.Since people who are overweight are also at risk for macular degeneration, overweight individuals should engage in regular exercise and eat a healthy diet in an effort to lose weight. Scheduling regular eye exams can help to detect macular degeneration, as early detection greatly improves the effects of treatment and can help preserve eyesight. Effectively controlling other conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, is a further method of preventing macular degeneration.
Your husbands eye is blury in the centre he sees green and around that is clear Things that are flat seem uneven?
Sounds like macular degeneration. He should see an eye doctor sometime soon.
What is the best treatment of macular degeneration?
There are many Herbs found, which have the Natural Healing Properties.These herbs have the property to cure any kind of Muscular Disintegration.To get an idepth knowlegde you can check on some of the web sites online which would give you an Indepth knowledge about these Natural Healing Herbs . In addition to this i have found that Beta carotene Which is found in the roots of carrots can help slow down the progression of Macular degeneration. I have a doctor at the University of Michigan that i told me that i should start taking it and another one i will get back to you on that one but i have found that it has been quite helpful considering over the course of a year my vision has deteriorated from 20/40 to 20/80. After taking this for a while i have found that my vision hasn't been getting to much worse althought there is still no REAL medical way to stop it (To the best of my Knowledge).
Why should you avoid looking directly in to the ultraviolet light?
Ultraviolet light can damage the cornea and lens of the eye, potentially leading to conditions such as cataracts or corneal sunburn. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can also increase the risk of developing eye diseases such as macular degeneration. It is best to protect your eyes with sunglasses that block UV radiation when outside.
Macular degeneration?
DefinitionMacular degeneration is an eye disorder that damages the center of the retina, which is called the macula. This makes it difficult to see fine details.Alternative NamesAge-related macular degeneration (ARMD); AMD; senile macular degeneration (SMD) is an older name that is no longer in common use.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. It changes light and images that enter the eye into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The macula is the part of the retina that makes our vision sharper and more detailed.Macular degeneration is caused by damage to the area around blood vessels that supply the macula. This change in the blood vessels damages the macula.Two phases of macular degeneration (AMD) exist:Dry macular degeneration occurs when the blood vessels under the macula become thin and brittle. Small yellow deposits, called drusen, form under the macula. As these drusen increase in size and number, they create a blurred and dim spot in the central vision of the eye. Almost all people with macular degeneration start with the dry form.Wet macular degeneration occurs in only about 10% of people with macular degeneration. Brittle vessels break down and new abnormal and very fragile blood vessels grow under the macula. This is called choroidal neovascularization. These vessels leak blood and fluid, which leads to damage of the macula. Although only about 10 percent of people with macular degeneration have this form, it causes most of the vision loss associated with the condition.Scientists aren't sure what causes AMD. The disease is most common in people over 60, which is why it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration.In addition to heredity, other risk factors are:Caucasian raceCigarette smokingHigh-fat dietFemale genderObesitySymptomsAt first you may not have symptoms. As the disease progresses, your central vision may be affected.The most common symptom in dry AMD is blurred vision. This is limited to the center of the field of vision. Often objects in the central vision look distorted and dim, and colors look faded. A patient may have trouble reading print or seeing other details, but can generally see well enough to walk and perform most routine activities.As the disease becomes worse, you may need more light to read or perform everyday tasks. The blurred spot in the center of vision gradually gets larger and darker. In the later stages, you may not be able to recognize faces until people are close to you.AMD typically does not affect side (peripheral) vision. This is very important, because it means you will never have complete vision loss from this disease.The most common early symptom of wet macular degeneration is that straight lines appear distorted and wavy. You may also notice a small dark spot in the center of your vision that gradually gets larger. Central vision loss can occur very quickly. If this occurs, you urgently need evaluation by an ophthalmologist with experience in retina disease.Signs and testsIf you are over age 60 and you've had changes in vision, your eye care provider will do an examination. During the exam, the doctor will use drops to enlarge (dilate) your pupils, and a special lens to view your retina and optic nerve.The doctor will look for changes in the blood vessels and the membrane that surrounds them. This may show drusen, the yellow deposits that form on this membrane in dry macular degeneration.You may be asked to cover one eye and look at a pattern of lines called an Amsler grid. If the straight lines appear wavy, it may be a sign of AMD.Other tests for macular degeneration may include:Fluorescein angiogramOptical Coherence Tomography (OCT)TreatmentNo treatment exists for dry macular degeneration. However, a combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and zinc may slow the progression of the disease. This combination of vitamins is often called the "AREDS" formula. Smokers should not use this treatment.The recommended supplements contain:500 milligrams of vitamin C400 international units of beta-carotene80 milligrams of zinc2 milligrams of copperAlthough there is no cure for wet AMD, treatments may include:Laser surgery (laser photocoagulation) -- a small beam of light destroys the abnormal blood vessels.Photodynamic therapy -- a light activates a drug that is injected into your body to destroy leaking blood vessels.Special medications that slow the formation of new blood vessels in the eye (anti-angiogenesis, anti-VEGF therapy) -- drugs such as bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis) are injected into the eye to stabilize or improve vision. This is a painless process.Low-vision aids (such as special lenses) and therapy can help you use the vision that you have more effectively, and improve your quality of life.Support GroupsAMD Alliance International -- (877) AMD-7171 -- www.amdalliance.org.Expectations (prognosis)Most people with mild dry macular degeneration will not have disabling central vision loss. However, there is no way to predict who will progress to a more severe form of the disease.The wet form of macular degeneration often leads to significant vision loss.Although macular degeneration can cause people to lose the ability to read, drive a car, and recognize faces that are not very close, it never causes complete blindness. This disorder results in the loss of central vision only -- macular degeneration cannot cause peripheral vision loss.Nearly everyone with macular degeneration can get around, eat, perform personal hygiene, and do other routine activities without too much difficulty.ComplicationsLoss of central vision may interfere with many daily activities, such as reading, working on the computer, or driving. You may need extra light or magnification to perform many of your normal activities.Calling your health care providerIf you have AMD, your health care provider may recommend that you check your vision every day on an Amsler grid. Call your provider immediately if the lines appear wavy, or you notice any other changes in your vision.PreventionAlthough there is no known way to prevent macular degeneration, lifestyle factors can reduce your risk of developing the condition:Don't smokeEat a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fatExercise regularlyMaintain a healthy weightSee your eye care professional regularly for dilated eye exams.ReferencesAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Pattern in Macular Degeneration.The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).Gohel PS, Mandava N, Olson JL, Durairaj VD. Age-related macular degeneration: an update on treatment. Am J Med. 2008;121(4):279-281.Martidis A, Tennant MTS. Age-related macular degeneration. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al., eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 125.
What vitimins can help age related macular degeneration?
There are many macular degeneration vitamins on the market that are promoted to help with vision. I will go over some of the ingredients that should be included in these eye health supplements. However, no matter how good any vitamin is, it is no substitute for healthy diet that includes antioxidant rich foods and eliminates or reduces the amount of processed foods and foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. See related link for more about antioxidant rich foods. Several years ago when I found out that my husband's father had macular degeneration, I went to the drugstore to get some eye vitamins for my husband to perhaps help prevent or delay the onset of AMD in his eyes. I walked out of the store with nothing - the choices and options were so overwhelming I just didn't know which one to buy. I've learned quite a bit about vitamins since then. Two of the most important carotenoids are lutein and zeaxanthin. Both of these antioxidants actually help build the macular pigment - a pigment in the retina that protects our eyes internally just like sunglasses do externally. The thicker the pigment the more protection. However, our bodies cannot make lutein or zeaxanthin, one must get them from diet or supplements. Studies have shown that macular pigment density which can be measured, does improve with foods rich in these antioxidants or by taking vitamins with them. See related link for more information.
What did Anne Hutchinson believe people should pray directly to?
Anne Hutchinson believed people should pray directly to god.
Should you eat carrots if you have macular degeneration?
You could, but you would not get much nutrition vital for MD. If you want to receive nutrients for AMD, supplementation is the only practical way to get all three vital carotenoids: meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. A supplement like macuhealth can slow your vision loss. Learn why by reading more in the related link.
Why should physical fitness be acquired as a habit by a person while he is still young?
The macular system
What services are generally available at an eye care center?
At the very least you would expect a standard vision test to assess any need for glasses. They should also check for problems such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts and an examination of the interior of the eye can also reveal other health problems. For full and regulated services you need to consult an Ophthalmologist or Optemotrist
