Question 1

who is most at risk for macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Older family history: The risk factors for macular degeneration can include: age, lightly pigmented eyes, history in primary relative, smoking, etc.  Overall, the highest risk is increasing age.

Question 2

macular degeneration -- what can be done about it?

Accepted Answer

Supplements: You can take supplements that have been show to slow the progression by up to 25% - see areds on the internet.  You can treat the condition when it turns wet.  See eye care specialist.

Question 3

how does macular degeneration affect a person's vision?

Accepted Answer

See below: It usually affects the central vision; i.e., one's reading vision. Symptoms includes central blurry or missing spots or distortion/waviness in vision where straight lines appear wavy (metamorphopsia).

Question 4

what sort of problem is age-related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

A retinal loss: Age related macular degeneration is a disorder of the circulation to the central seeing part of the retina at the back of the eye.  It is as if the circulation simply dries up and the light receptors (cones and rods) die.  This produces loss of fine detailed vision.  It's incidence increases with age and is common in those over 70.  See your ophthalmolgist for diagnosis and recommendations., .

Question 5

what are the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Decreased vision: Both the wet and dry forms of armd cause decrease in central vision. Distortion is often an early symptom and an amsler grid is a good self screening tool. Vision loss from the dry form is usually slowly progressive and lessor in degree than the wet form which can have very dramatic decrease in vision that is rapid and significant.

Question 6

is there any medication for age related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins lifestyle: Macular degeneration is thought to occur from aging, exposure to uv radiation, exposure to toxins (smoking) and "pre-programmed" by genetics (family and race).  You can lessen your risk by am early eye exam, don't smoke, shield your exposure from uv and follow your doctor's advice for nutrition and vitamins based on your age and exam.  No prescribed drug yet.

Question 7

are there any medical procedures for wet macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Wet macular degeneration is the growth of new blood vessels beneath the retina.  There are new drugs called veg-f inhibitors when injected into the eye can retard the growth of these damaging blood vessels.  It's a good idea to see your ophthalmologist if you suspect you have macular problems.

Question 8

have you had any good results in dealing with macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: Most amd is dry, which tends to progress slowly, results in mild to moderate visual loss, but has no real treatment yet. Areds supplements can reduce the risk of severe vision loss in those with dry amd. Wet amd can be very rapid, but there are good treatments, most of which involve injections into the eye. Regular f/u with an ophthalmologist (if possible, a retina specialist) is recommended.

Question 9

what causes macular degeneration or something else when i get older?

Accepted Answer

A disease: Macular degeneration is a degenerative disease that affects the rods and cones (photoreceptors) in the retina.  The degeneration and death of these is multifactorial.  Changes in nutrition, blood flow, heredity, ultraviolet exposure all increase your risks for the disease.  Best defense:  UV protection, good diet high in green leafy vegetables, multivitamin with lutein-- and don't get a day older.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of visual impairments like macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Blur, distortion: Macular degeneration causes reduced central vision. Patients complain of blurry vision, black spots in the vision and distortion of images. If you have any sudden visual changes, see your eye doctor immediately.

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A member asked:

Who is most at risk for macular degeneration?

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Macular degeneration -- what can be done about it?

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How does macular degeneration affect a person's vision?

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What sort of problem is age-related macular degeneration?

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What are the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?

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Is there any medication for age related macular degeneration?

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Are there any medical procedures for wet macular degeneration?

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Have you had any good results in dealing with macular degeneration?

A member asked:

What causes macular degeneration or something else when i get older?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of visual impairments like macular degeneration?

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