February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month. So as part of our awareness campaign, here are facts about age-related macular degeneration and what you can do to protect your eyes as you age.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as the name implies, is an eye disease that often occurs when a person ages. As one ages, the macula of the eye deteriorates or degenerates, resulting in AMD. This seldom causes total loss of vision, but it can actually cause visual problems, such as blind spots. Two types of AMD exist, dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD is characterized by the yellow deposits in the eye which can affect one’s vision. The advanced stage of dry AMD is characterized by atrophy of the macular. Wet AMD is characterized by the presence of blood vessels in the macula. This may result in loss of central vision and blind spots as the blood vessels leak blood into the retina.
How to avoid age-related macular degeneration
The majority of people who have AMD suffer from dry AMD which may then develop into the wet form of the disease. However, whether it is wet AMD or dry AMD, there are ways to prevent the development of the disease. Here is what you can do to avoid AMD:
The best way to avoid AMD, as well as other eye problems and diseases is to have a regular eye exam. During a regular eye exam your eye doctor will check for any problems and will see if you are starting to develop the condition. If you are in Houston, you might want to visit us at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center to have your eyes examined. We are one of the leading LASIK or laser eye surgery centers in the state, and we also specialize in all types of eye conditions and problems.
Aside from a regular checkup, living healthy will keep your eyes healthy. Smoking has become strongly associated with the condition, so if you smoke, you are more likely to develop the disease than a non-smoker. Living healthy, such as eating fruits and vegetables, reduces your chance of developing the disease so you may want to change or adjust your diet as you age. Add fish to your diet as well as fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are suffering from other conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important for you to manage these diseases as they can affect the health of your eyes. Regularly consult with your doctor and follow his or her recommendations.
Staying healthy should be a goal as you age. It is different for every person. It is best to keep a weight that is healthy. Lose weight if it improves your health. If you are underweight, it may be necessary to gain. Eat foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins. Feel free to have your favorite junk foods in moderation sometimes. Have the recommended checkups for your eyes keeping in mind the other conditions that can affect your eye health.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/macular-degeneration/age-related-macular-degeneration-overview?page=2
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/macular-degeneration/basics/prevention/con-20075882
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
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