Recognizing signs of macular degeneration
By
Suzanne Hopkins-
50th anniversary party
Couples who have been married 50 years or more are invited to come to the Senior Center and celebrate on Thursday, June 17 from 4-6 p.m. A light supper, anniversary cake, entertainment and door prizes will be provided. Call WVNU at 937-840-9868 to make your reservations.
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative, retinal eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral, or side, vision intact. Early detection is key so that options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services can be administered early enough to make the greatest impact.
AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness for people over the age of 55 in the Western world.
What does AMD look like?
Two forms of AMD exist:
“Dry” AMD: more common form of AMD; yellow fatty deposits (“drusen”) collect in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, causing vision loss in varying degrees.
“Wet” AMD: 10 - 15 percent of all AMD cases; but the chance for severe sight loss is much greater. It is characterized by the development of abnormal, leaky blood vessels in the macula. Scar tissue may form, causing irreversible blind spots and may lead to legal blindness.
What is the impact of AMD?
The condition of AMD is widespread and awareness is low. Approximately 25 to 30 million are affected worldwide by AMD. As the “baby boom” generation ages, the incidence of AMD is expected to triple by the year 2025.
What are the possible risk factors?
Possible risk factors include: genetics, cataracts, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color, and a diet low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
The only proven and preventable risk factor for AMD is smoking, according to recent studies using the same criteria that have been applied to prove the link between smoking and lung cancer. These studies scientifically prove that people who smoke are at risk to lose some or all of their vision – they are two to four times as likely to develop AMD when compared to a non-smoker.
What about early detection?
Possible warning signs of AMD include: images become blurry, colors are hard to distinguish, straight lines appear distorted or wavy and central vision is blocked by dark or empty spaces. Early diagnosis through medical eye exams/tests every two years offers eye care specialists the opportunity to provide counsel about appropriate options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services.
How can AMD be treated?
There is currently no proven treatment for dry AMD. Some forms of wet AMD can be effectively treated with laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy, which seal leaky blood vessels. Other treatments are still in developmental stages.
For more information, visit AMD Alliance International’s website, www.amdalliance.org.[[In-content Ad]]
Couples who have been married 50 years or more are invited to come to the Senior Center and celebrate on Thursday, June 17 from 4-6 p.m. A light supper, anniversary cake, entertainment and door prizes will be provided. Call WVNU at 937-840-9868 to make your reservations.
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative, retinal eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral, or side, vision intact. Early detection is key so that options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services can be administered early enough to make the greatest impact.
AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness for people over the age of 55 in the Western world.
What does AMD look like?
Two forms of AMD exist:
“Dry” AMD: more common form of AMD; yellow fatty deposits (“drusen”) collect in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, causing vision loss in varying degrees.
“Wet” AMD: 10 - 15 percent of all AMD cases; but the chance for severe sight loss is much greater. It is characterized by the development of abnormal, leaky blood vessels in the macula. Scar tissue may form, causing irreversible blind spots and may lead to legal blindness.
What is the impact of AMD?
The condition of AMD is widespread and awareness is low. Approximately 25 to 30 million are affected worldwide by AMD. As the “baby boom” generation ages, the incidence of AMD is expected to triple by the year 2025.
What are the possible risk factors?
Possible risk factors include: genetics, cataracts, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color, and a diet low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
The only proven and preventable risk factor for AMD is smoking, according to recent studies using the same criteria that have been applied to prove the link between smoking and lung cancer. These studies scientifically prove that people who smoke are at risk to lose some or all of their vision – they are two to four times as likely to develop AMD when compared to a non-smoker.
What about early detection?
Possible warning signs of AMD include: images become blurry, colors are hard to distinguish, straight lines appear distorted or wavy and central vision is blocked by dark or empty spaces. Early diagnosis through medical eye exams/tests every two years offers eye care specialists the opportunity to provide counsel about appropriate options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services.
How can AMD be treated?
There is currently no proven treatment for dry AMD. Some forms of wet AMD can be effectively treated with laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy, which seal leaky blood vessels. Other treatments are still in developmental stages.
For more information, visit AMD Alliance International’s website, www.amdalliance.org.[[In-content Ad]]