What One Should Know About Macular Degeneration Washington DC

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By Patricia Long


Macular degeneration is the leading cause of loss of vision. The macular is part of the retina, which is the back part of the eye that turns images into signals which go to the brain. When the macular begins to break down, there will be trouble seeing details clearly. For instance, you could see outline of a clock but not its hands. When it comes to macular degeneration Washington DC residents need to know what it entails.

Early symptoms will include having blurred vision and having problems seeing colors or finer details. As the condition worsens, one might end up losing their center vision. That will mean they will have problems doing such things as driving and even telling apart faces of people. That would mean brighter light is needed to see clearly. Judgment of distances will also not be easy. For others, there will be visual hallucinations.

There has never been any clarity as to what causes the condition. However, there is a connection with genetics. People that have it in their family are more likely to be affected. There is also the effect of lifestyle. For example, you will find that smokers have increased probability of suffering from it compared to non-smokers. There are two types of macular degeneration - wet and dry. The wet type is not as common.

Diagnosis for the condition is an important aspect. The doctor will place eyedroppers into the eyes so that the pupils are dilated. That way, it will be possible to use an ophthalmoscope to check for any deposits of fat and any other foreign matter at the back of the retina. There should be a yearly examination of eyes so that doctors can detect any early signs of the condition.

Treatment options are diverse. Laser surgery is one option. The doctor will point lasers at extra blood vessels in the eyes so that they broken up. There is also the option of using photodynamic therapy in which a light-sensitive drug is put into the body through veins in the arms. The drug is then is triggered using a laser for destruction of blood vessels that are causing problems. In advanced cases, the doctor might suggest replacement of lens with a telescope that is the size of a pea.

There are various devices that one can use to be able to go about daily activities with ease. There is the option of having a telescope placed on your glasses so that objects that are far away can be seen with ease. There is computer software that is able to convert words on screens into speech. Through the use of CCTV magnifiers, it will be possible to see small writings like those in books or small objects.

There is never a cure for the condition, just ways of reducing symptoms. Nevertheless, one should lead a healthy lifestyle so that it does not advance fast and so that symptoms do not worsen. There should be regular exercise and the use of sunglasses to protect the eyes. For those that smoke, it is advisable to quit. As regards diet, one should eat foods rich in vegetables and fish.

It is important to start management of the condition well in advance. Going for periodic check up will help greatly. A doctor should examine the eyes every once in a while to check whether one has it or the extent to which it has gotten.




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