| What
is age-related Macular degeneration?
Macular
degeneration (AMD)is a common cause of vision loss in people over
the age of 60. AMD can cause
the loss of sharp central vision in one or both eyes. With
AMD, you may have no obvious vision loss or you may have one or
more of the following vision problems:
• Fuzzy or blurry
areas
• Distorted lines
and wavy edges
• Faded color vision
• Dark spots in
your central vision
• Vision that varies
from day to day
The thought of vision loss can be frightening. You may fear
going blind or you may worry about being unable to drive, read or
be independent. Although AMD can cause vision loss that ranges
from mild to severe, it rarely causes total blindness. Some
aspects of your life may change, but AMD won’t make your world
go dark.
There are two kinds of Macular degeneration: dry and wet.
AMD may be either kind. Dry Macular
degeneration is more common. It usually does not cause severe
vision loss. Wet is rarer, but is more likely to
cause severe vision loss. Dry Macular degeneration can sometimes
develop into wet Macular degeneration.
What can
I do?
Whether
you have AMD or are at risk for it, there are ways you can protect
the vision that you have. Vision
monitoring and regular eye exams can help you and your ophthalmologist
work together to preserve your
vision. In some cases, laser treatment may keep AMD from getting
worse. Changes in your lifestyle can help
protect your eye health. There are things you can do to adapt
to vision changes if they occur.
You can also keep your eye healthier by eating a healthy diet with
plenty of fruits and vegetables. Leafy
green vegetables such as spinach may be especially good for protecting
against AMD. There are also daily
multi-vitamins and other supplements available.
Control your blood pressure. Regular blood pressure checks,
regular exercise, cutting down on salt, fat,
alcohol and caffeine will help you control your blood pressure.
Weight loss, stress reduction and blood
pressure medication may also be needed.
If you smoke, QUIT! Smoking damages blood vessels throughout
your body, including those in your eyes. It
can also worsen high blood pressure. Ask your doctor about
a program to help you quit.
What is
vision monitoring?
You can
monitor your own vision by using the Amsler Grid. Note changes
in your vision and report them to
your ophthalmologist. Keep in mind that you may have vision
problems that are not related to AMD. Making sure that any
problems are treated early helps you make the most of your remaining
vision.
The Amsler grid is a chart that you can use at home to check your
vision. Your ophthalmologist will provide
you an Amsler Grid and instructions. Use the grid regularly
as directed. If you notice changes, contact your
ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Can AMD be treated?
How will
my doctor know if I have AMD?
If your
doctor thinks you may have AMD, a special photograph of the retina
called an angiogram will be
performed. For this procedure, dye is injected into a vein,
usually in the arm or hand. It then travels to the
eye. The dye highlights any abnormal blood vessels or leaking
fluid. The doctor may do two angiograms
using two different dyes. The procedure usually takes less
than an hour.
Is there
treatment for AMD?
Your doctor
may suggest laser treatment for your AMD. This treatment may
stop vision loss from getting worse.
It rarely restores sight you have already lost. At this time,
laser treatment is available only for wet AMD.
What else
can I do to make living with AMD easier?
•
Use your side vision. If you need to look at an object, move
it to one side and look at it out of the corner
of your eye.
• Adjust your hobbies or interests. If a hobby requires
close work, look for a similar one that does not
depend on such detailed vision. For example, you choose to
switch from needlework to rug hooking.
• Talk to your family and friends. Let them know what
kind of help you need. Allow them to assist you
when necessary.
• Take steps to make your hope safer. For example, mark
items such as spices or pill bottles with colors or
textures; arrange closets and drawers to make things easier to find
by touch.
• Use low-vision aids when necessary. There are many
devises available to make your life easier such as
magnifiers, large-button telephones, large print and audio- books,
Can I still
drive?
You may
find that you are able to drive safely during the day, but not at
night. If glare is a problem when
you drive, you may want to get special tinted glasses to help improve
your vision. Be realistic. If you can no
longer drive safely, don’t drive. It is difficult to
depend on family members or friends for transportation, but it is
the best way to keep yourself and others safe.
Cataracts
What is
a cataract?
A cataract
is a clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye responsible
for focusing light and producing
clear, sharp images. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual
loss among adults 55 and older. Eye injuries,
certain medications and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism
have also been known to cause
cataracts.
Recommended
Links:
American
Council of the Blind 800-424-8666
www.acb.org
American Diabetes Association 800-342-8983
www.diabetes.org
Lighthouse International 212-821-9200
www.lighthouse.org
National Eye Institute 301-496-5248
www.nei.nih.gov
American Academy of Ophthalmology 415-561-8500
www.aao.org
Macular Degeneration Foundation 888-633-3937
www.eyesight.org
Research to Prevent Blindness 800-621-0026
www.rpbusa.org
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