ARMD
ARMD or Age Related Macular Degeneration is amongst the widely prevalent reasons behind loss of eye sight noted in individuals past 50 years of age.
There are two forms of ARMD namely dry and the wet type. Dry macular degeneration is an atrophic deterioration due to aging and macular tissue thinning that eventually leads to loss of eye sight. Wet macular degeneration is an exudative form of ARMD that accounts for nearly ten percent of all the cited ARMD cases that is caused due to anomalous formation of blood vessels beneath the retina at the back section of the eye leading to blood or fluid seepage and blurring of central vision. Loss in eyesight could be swift and severe.
ARMD Causes:
- Deterioration of the Macula, the central and highly sensitive spot of the retina that lies at the backside of the eyes.
- Several persons develop macular degeneration due to the body’s innate aging process.
- The high risk aspects noted are smoking, uninhibited hypertension and protracted exposure to glaring unswerving sunlight.
ARMD Symptoms:
- Individuals having macular degeneration would detect straight lines in a setting like electricity posts, the sides of structures or roads, appearing undulating.
- Other signs comprise of haziness of form or a sheet of print, having darkened or blank spaces that could hinder the core of the field of vision.
Diagnosis & Tests:
The preliminary stages of macular degeneration could be diagnosed by the use of a simplistic vision testing method known as the Amsler grid.
ARMD Treatment:
- Laser surgery and medicines are employed for treating particular forms of ARMD.
- Additionally, some kinds of wet macular degeneration could be treated using the Anti-VGEF injections. Such injections are known to specifically target chemical VEGF or vascular endothelial growth factor present in the body. Latest advancements in anti-VEGF medicines have proven to be a major boon for those patients that were otherwise deemed ‘hopeless’.
- The two drugs namely Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) are considered to be highly effective for treating ARMD.
Majority of the patients would retain the eye sight they have and some would get back some of the lost vision subsequent to these treatments.
Possible Complications:
If not treated promptly, what initiates as a loss of central vision could escalate and lead to gradual or sudden and severe vision loss.
Prevention:
- Raising the daily intake of fresh fruits and veggies.
- It would be favourable to increase the intake of fish for more than once in a week.
- Lowering and favourably stopping alcohol intake as it is known to drain out the antioxidants and carotenoids present in the body.
- Halting or not starting smoking.
- Already wearing appropriate UV-protective eye wear.
- Controlling high blood pressure.
Popularity: 10% [?]
