Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

 

Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a degenerative condition that affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. ARMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 60.

Symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

The symptoms of ARMD can vary and may not be noticeable until the condition has progressed. Common symptoms may include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Distorted vision
  • Difficulty reading or performing other tasks that require fine visual detail
  • A dark or empty area in the center of your vision
  • A need for brighter light when reading or performing other tasks

Types of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

There are two main types of ARMD: dry and wet.

  • Dry ARMD: is the most common form of the condition, which occurs when the macula's light-sensitive cells and supporting tissue deteriorate.
  • Wet ARMD: is a more advanced form of the condition, which occurs when new blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing vision loss.

Causes of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

The exact cause of ARMD is not known, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors for ARMD include:

  • Age: The risk of ARMD increases with age, especially after the age of 60.
  • Family history: Having a family history of ARMD increases the risk of developing the condition.
  • Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for ARMD.
  • Diet: A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol may increase the risk of ARMD.
  • Sun exposure: Long-term sun exposure may increase the risk of ARMD.

Diagnosis of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

ARMD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including:

  • Visual acuity testing: to measure the patient's visual sharpness
  • Slit lamp examination: to examine the front of the eye
  • Fundus examination: to examine the retina and blood vessels
  • Amsler grid test: to check for distortion or missing areas in the central vision
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT): to measure the thickness of the retina

Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

The treatment for ARMD depends on the type and stage of the condition. Treatment options may include:

  • Vitamin and mineral supplements: to slow the progression of dry ARMD
  • Anti-VEGF therapy: to treat wet ARMD
  • Photodynamic therapy: to treat wet ARMD
  • Laser therapy: to treat wet ARMD

Prognosis of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

The prognosis for ARMD depends on the type and stage of the condition. In the early stages of the condition, vision loss can be prevented with proper treatment and management. In the advanced stages of the condition, the damage to the retina may be irreversible and the patient may experience permanent vision loss or blindness.

Prevention of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

To reduce the risk of ARMD, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking. Managing any underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can also help to reduce the risk of ARMD. Wearing sunglasses and protecting your eyes from the sun's UV rays can also help to reduce the risk

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mosquito eyes

 Mosquitoes, like many other insects, have compound eyes. Compound eyes are made up of numerous individual photoreceptor units called ommatidia. Each ommatidium consists of a lens, a cornea, a crystalline cone, and a light-sensitive receptor cell.  Mosquito compound eyes are typically large in proportion to their body size and are positioned on the sides of their head. They have a spherical shape and provide mosquitoes with a wide field of vision, allowing them to detect movement in different directions.  The compound eyes of mosquitoes are designed primarily for detecting changes in light intensity and movement rather than forming detailed images. Each ommatidium captures a small part of the overall image, and the mosquito's brain processes the input from multiple ommatidia to form a composite picture of its surroundings. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain stimuli such as heat, carbon dioxide, and chemicals in human sweat, which help them locate potential hosts for blood meals. T
Read more

Contact lens parameters

 Contact lenses are medical devices that are worn directly on the cornea of the eye to correct vision or for cosmetic purposes. There are various parameters associated with contact lenses that are important for fitting and prescribing the right lenses for individuals. Here are some common parameters: 1. Power (Refraction): Contact lenses are available in different powers to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. The power is measured in diopters (D) and can be positive (+) or negative (-) depending on the type of vision correction needed. 2. Base Curve (BC): The base curve determines the curvature of the contact lens. It is typically measured in millimeters (mm) and represents the curvature of the inner surface of the lens. The base curve is chosen to match the curvature of the cornea for proper fit and comfort. 3. Diameter (DIA): The diameter of a contact lens is the measurement across the lens from edge to edge. It is usually measur
Read more

Base Curve of contact Lens

Image
The base curve of a contact lens refers to the curvature of the back surface of the lens. It is measured in millimeters and is one of the main characteristics of a contact lens. The base curve is important because it determines how well the lens will fit on the eye. A lens with a base curve that is too flat may not conform to the shape of the eye and may cause discomfort or irritation. On the other hand, a lens with a base curve that is too steep may be difficult to insert and remove and may cause lens dislocation or other problems. To find the right base curve for a contact lens, an optometrist will measure the curvature of the eye using a tool called a keratometer. This instrument measures the curvature of the front surface of the eye (the cornea) and helps the optometrist determine the appropriate base curve for the lens. In addition to the base curve, other factors that can affect the fit and comfort of a contact lens include the diameter of the lens and the material o
Read more