Question 1

what's age-related macular degeneration? who gets it?

Accepted Answer

Retinal degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration is a breakdown in the retinal tissue in the back of the eye with subsequent decrease in central vision. The exact mechanism is not 100% understood, but build-up of waste products over time and inflammation are thought to play a role. It is usually present in individuals over the age of 70; family history and cigarette smoking can also increase the risk.

Question 2

what are the tests for age-related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Dilated eye exam. : A dilated eye examination by your ophthalmologist (M.D.) is the primary way to test for this condition. Only if the doctor sees any suspicious pathology would she then do special testing. Even with a family history of this condition, at your age (32) it would be almost unheard of to get this disease.  It is highly unusual before the age of 70.

Question 3

what should u take for age related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is age-related in susceptible individuals. There is no cure for it, but there are vitamins and nutrients that have been shown to decrease the risk of progression in large studies. The most recently recommended vitamin supplements are called areds2 and can be bought over the counter in various brands, such as ocuvite.

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

what are the complications of age-related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Vision loss: The major effect of progressive, age related macular degeneration (AMD), is loss of central vision over time.  There can be bleeding which usually can be treated with favorable results.  The major complication is actually changes in lifestyle such as inability to drive, that comes about from the loss of vision.

Question 8

how to treat age-related macular degeneration quickly?

Accepted Answer

Which kind?: Dry/nonexudative macular degeneration has no quick treatment, only areds vitmains. Wet/exudative macular degeneration requires timely injections of medicine directly in the eye (intravitreal avastin, lucentis, (ranibizumab) or eylea).

Question 9

vision impairment question, at what age do you get age related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

No set age: Age-related macular degeneration (armd) is a condition that usually affects individuals over the age of 50 and causes central vision loss. It is more common the older we get (likely because it becomes more noticeable) and has a peak in the 70s. It can be seen at earlier ages in some individuals, and the the age of onset will be younger as we get better at testing for it.

Question 10

are there any signs of vision impairment with early age related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Most people experience distortion in the central vision as an early sign of age-related macular degeneration. There is a self-screening tool called an amsler grid that is often recommended for people with risk factors for the disease. It can help to detect early distortion. Decreased central vision with difficulty to read, recognize faces, watch tv, and drive often happen as the disease progresses.

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Pathophysiology of age related macular degeneration

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What's age-related macular degeneration? who gets it?

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What are the tests for age-related macular degeneration?

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What should u take for age related macular degeneration?

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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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What are the complications of age-related macular degeneration?

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How to treat age-related macular degeneration quickly?

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Are there any signs of vision impairment with early age related macular degeneration?

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