Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Dry
Age-related
macular degeneration (AMD) is the result of damage to the
nerve cells in a small area at the back of the eye called
the macula. AMD causes blurring of your central vision,
making it harder to do things that require sharp vision
such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
There
are two types of macular degeneration - dry (atrophic) and
wet (exudative). The dry form accounts for about 9 out of
10 cases of AMD. The wet form is much less common, but it
happens more quickly and is more severe.
The
dry form of macular degeneration occurs gradually and usually
begins with the formation of tiny yellow deposits called
“drusen” in the macula. Drusen usually do not
cause serious loss of vision, but can cause distortion of
vision. Sometimes drusen will cause the macula to thin and
break down, slowly leading to vision loss.
Several
factors are thought to play a part in the development of
macular degeneration.
Those who are more likely to have AMD:
- Are
older adults - the risk increases as you age, starting
at around age 50.
- Have
a close family member who has macular degeneration.
- Smoke.
- Eat
a diet that is low in antioxidant vitamins (A,C,E) and
the mineral zinc
- Don’t
use a lutein supplement. Lutein is a plant nutrient deficient
in most western diets.
The
symptoms of dry macular degeneration
Those
with macular degeneration first notice dim or fuzzy central
vision. Things may look warped or smaller than they really
are, and they may notice a blank or blind spot in the center
of their fields of vision. As the disease gets worse, those
with AMD have trouble with tasks like reading and driving.
If you
have the dry form of AMD, your vision will probably become
blurry so slowly that you won't notice it for a long time.
You may have dry macular degeneration for several years
before it becomes apparent.
How
is AMD diagnosed?
A doctor
can usually detect AMD by doing a regular eye exam and asking
questions about your past health. You may have some vision
tests, including an ophthalmoscopy. This test lets the doctor
look at the inside of your eye. If you have macular degeneration,
your physician may see drusen, the yellowish waste deposits
that build up at the back of the eye.
The
doctor may have you look at a chart with lines and a dot
at the center called an Amsler grid. It can help detect
AMD or other changes in central vision.
Numerous
studies have shown that the nutrient lutein is deposited
in the macula and the lens of the eyes. Lutein is found
in dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolks, but we don’t
get enough of these…especially since we’re told
egg yolks are laden with bad cholesterol. Researchers believe
that taking lutein supplements can reduce the risk of AMD.
Växa’s
homeopathic medicinal Ocu-Care+
contains lutein! This formula in capsule form is specifically
targeted to protect eye health, and can be effective in
macular degeneration treatment or as prevention. Ocu-Care+
is designed to keep eyes healthy by protecting against free
radicals, diminishing inflammation and repairing and regenerating
eye tissues.
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