Macular degeneration is one of the common eye problems among the elderly, which is why it is also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD. It occurs when a part of the retina, known as the macula, gets damaged due to aging or other factors. The macula controls the sharp and straight vision necessary for a person. Even though this disease doesn’t cause complete blindness, losing central vision can be difficult.
Signs and symptoms of macular degeneration
Almost all the symptoms are related to vision since the macula sends the image of the optic nerve to the brain for processing. If one has a damaged macula, the brain can’t process or read the images their eyes behold. The most common macular degeneration signs and symptoms are as follows. However, an individual’s experience can differ based on the severity of the condition.
- Vision loss in low light
- Significantly blurred vision
- Experiencing problems with the way one perceives colors
- Experiencing dark or blurred spots in the area of vision.
- Drastic change in the way of seeing a straight line; the line, which is supposed to be straight, appears curved
Top causes of macular degeneration
Many healthcare professionals believe that macular degeneration can be an inherited disease. However, it can also happen with no previous disease record in the family. Below are some of the reasons that are possible macular degeneration causes.
- If one has developed diabetes, they might contract this disease earlier than usual
- Head injuries can also cause degenerative disease
- Any kind of infection might affect one’s eyes too
- Lack of nutrition in daily meals may cause macular degeneration
Macular degeneration treatments
Laser therapy
Laser therapy helps those who suffer from wet macular degeneration. This therapy can destroy the abnormal blood vessel in the retina. Such a process can help protect one’s vision and diminish the disease.
Photodynamic therapy
A special treatment activated via laser to destroy the abnormal blood vessel in the retina. This treatment has also proven to be beneficial.
Vision aids
Patients with advanced levels of this disease require low-vision aids to make daily activities less hassle-free. Some of these aids are magnifying glasses and other electronic devices.
Remedies for managing macular degeneration
While the probable treatments for the disease are available, one can follow these below-mentioned macular degeneration remedies.
Follow a healthy food regime
The doctors always recommend certain foods to help patients with macular degeneration disease. These may contain vegetables and fruits like kale, spinach, broccoli, squash, and others. Adding foods with higher zinc levels to one’s meals can prevent this disease or, in some cases, may improve one’s eyesight.
Add omega-3-rich foods
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be helpful against this disease, and fish like sardines are packed with these fatty acids. If one includes fish in their daily meals, they may find it beneficial.
Exercise regularly
Maintaining a healthy physique can help in many ways, and one of them is to prevent macular degeneration disease. One can start by shedding calories from their daily meals and exercising regularly to remain healthy.
A specific macular degeneration treatment doesn’t exist. However, if one appears to have symptoms or have developed this disease, they can follow the advice mentioned earlier. One must visit a doctor for an immediate checkup and follow the suggested instructions.