What One Should Know About Macular Degeneration Washington DC

By Patricia Long


Macular degeneration is the condition that causes most vision loss in individuals. The macular is a part of the retina which is the back part of eyes. Its role is to turn images in the eyes into signals that can be sent to the brain. Whenever the macular starts to break down, one finds it hard to see objects clearly. For instance, they could be able to see outlines of a clock but not the hands. When it comes to macular degeneration Washington DC residents need to be conversant with its effects and options of treatment.

The early symptoms include blurred vision and problems seeing colors and finer details. As it gets worse, you will lose your center vision and there will be trouble driving, reading and telling apart the faces of people. You will end up needing brighter light for doing daily tasks, and it will be harder judging distances. There is also possibility of visual hallucinations, in which one sees things that are not there.

There has never been clarity as to what the cause of macular degeneration is. It is however known to be genetic. That means that people in whose families it runs are more likely to suffer from it. Lifestyle is also known to be a factor leading to it. Smokers for instances are more likely to be affected than non smokers. There are two types of the condition, the wet type and dry type. The latter is never as common.

The process of diagnosis is an important one. There is placement of eye drops into eyes so that pupils are dilated to make the examination easy. The dilation makes it easy for a doctor to use an instrument known as an ophthalmoscope to check whether there are fatty deposits at the retina. When one goes for yearly exams, it becomes possible to spot early symptoms.

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 a number of high-tech devices which those affected can use to make their lives easier. The placement of a telescope into the eyes will make it possible to see far-off objects. There is computer software that will turn words into speech that can be heard. The use of closed-circuit TV magnifier also makes it possible to see minute things like writings in books.

There is no assured treatment for macular degeneration. The best that one can do is make healthy choices to ensure that it is slowed down and the symptoms do not become worse. Those affected are advised to have regular exercise, protect their eyes from the sun using glasses and for those that smoke, they should quit. Diet should be rich in fish and vegetables.

The condition should start being managed in time. That is where periodic tests come in handy. People are advised to see eye doctors every once in a while.




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