Home | Health | Decoding The Top 10 Myths Of AMD

Decoding the top 10 myths of AMD

Decoding the top 10 myths of AMD

Old age can lead to the development of various kinds of diseases, and age-related macular degeneration is one among them. This eye disease can occur in people above 50 years, leading to vision issues, especially the ability to look straight. There are multiple misconceptions associated with the problem that it causes complete blindness; however, the fact is only central vision is lost. Let’s have a look at the other myths associated with the condition.

Macular degeneration is not very common
Age-related macular degeneration is not a disease that is very rare and affects only a percentage of people. The disease is the most common reason that leads to loss of vision and is known to affect even people who are as young as 20 years old.
There are specifically two types of AMD which are dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration causes the cells present in the macula, the central part of the retina, to die, leading to blurry central vision. In the case of wet macular degeneration, the fluid present in the blood vessel exudes into the macula and leads to blind spots. The majority of cases are those of dry AMD, while wet AMD is taken as a more advanced form of the disease since it leads to swift and chronic damage to vision.

Macular degeneration symptoms are perceived prematurely
Age-related macular degeneration is not known in its early stages as there are no particular symptoms present, and there is no loss of vision. It is, therefore, important to get regular eye checkups done by an ophthalmologist. The vision of the eye which is getting affected might be reduced, but the eye which is fine will get to see things normally.
The most noticeable symptom in the case of a dry AMD is the blurring of vision. Advanced symptoms of the disease comprise problems in recognizing faces, reading, and more. The early symptoms of wet AMD comprise straight lines appearing crooked or loss of central vision, or both.

Macular degeneration causes complete blindness
Another myth related to age-related macular degeneration is that the disease can lead to complete blindness, but it is not as such, and the disease may contribute to vision loss. AMD is known to damage the macula, which is the focal part of the retina responsible for differentiating and focusing vision. This helps people in reading as well as recognizing faces. Even when AMD is in its worst stage, the peripheral vision remains functional.

Carrots can correct your vision
This myth holds no truth, as following a healthy and nutritious meal plan, including leafy greens and more, can aid in fulfilling the daily nutrient requirement of the body. Moreover, it can lower the risk of developing the disease, not correction of vision. Taking vitamin supplements can also not lead to vision correction.

Macular degeneration cannot be corrected
Loss of vision due to age-related macular degeneration is difficult to regain, but it can be controlled and slowed down with proper treatment. For treating dry AMD, multiple kinds of therapies are utilized, which comprise low vision rehabilitation that aids in adjusting defects of the vision. There are antioxidants also prescribed to cease the progression of the disease. Surgical implantation of the telescopic lens is even performed to expand the field of vision. Alternatively, for treating wet AMD, various kinds of injections, as well as therapeutics, are used to cease the progression and conserve existing vision. If the treatment begins early, it can even lead to the restoration of part of the lost vision. There are laser and photodynamic therapies also performed to treat wet AMD, wherein the light of the laser is used to lock the blood vessels in the macula to stop them from leaking. Even low vision rehabilitation is used to adjust deficits of vision, including blind spots.

Wet AMD gets passed on from previous generations
There is no distinct fact that people who have a family history of having the disease will develop AMD. However, there are several other factors that may contribute to getting the disease; these include aging, smoking, poor eating habits, high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, race, and more.

There is no definite way to cease AMD from getting worse
Age-related macular degeneration cannot be averted completely, but its advancement can be reduced with proper eating habits, a healthy lifestyle as well as treatment. Some of the ways to prevent its progression also include adding green leafy vegetables to daily meal plans along with fish, keeping a check on body weight, wearing sunglasses outdoors to prevent ultraviolet rays from affecting the eye, maintaining normal cholesterol and blood pressure level, and regular exercise.

Smoking has no link to vision
People who tend to smoke have a greater chance of having age-related macular degeneration disease. This is because the macula comprises delicate blood vessels that get damaged because of chemicals such as tar found in tobacco smoke.

People suffering from Wet AMD will gradually lose their ability to see
The myth used to be true during earlier times, but with advancements in technology, there are various treatment options that can stop the progression of the disease. However, it is important to act quickly as the wet form of the disease is known to progress speedily.

Reading in low light can lead to AMD
Age-related macular degeneration is not caused due to reading in low light. However, it is important to read or watch television in sufficient light so that an ideal balance of light is created between the object as well as the surrounding environment. Furthermore, reading in poor light conditions leads to strain in the eye and makes the overall experience tiresome.

Conclusion
The best way to detect vision issues such as age-related macular degeneration early is to go for regular eye checkups.

Recent Topics

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

The grass can be greener where you want it to be! Learning to take care of your lawn appropriately and maintaining it can help you create a lusher, greener yard for hosting cookouts, picnics, barbecues, or a relaxing yard for you and your loved ones. You can take some quick, easy steps to avoid faded or dead patches and create the lawn of your dreams. Check out nine ways to maintain a green lawn. Test the soil To create a vibrant green yard, you must start by caring for the most critical factor – the soil. Since grass needs nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to thrive, it is important to ensure your soil is enriched with them. To ensure the best grass growth, it is also important to have a soil pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. Using a home soil test kit or hiring an agency can help you take the guesswork out of soil profiling. These tests usually cost around $20 and are the foundation of a beautiful, well-nourished lawn. Aerate the lawn If your lawn is used to a lot of walking and trundling by your children or pets, it may be wise to aerate it before planting any grass.
12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

Arthritis is characterized by swelling or tenderness of the joints. It affects over 50 million people in the country. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which tend to worsen with age. It may be inherited or caused by immune problems or metabolic conditions like gout. Making changes in daily meal plans can help manage arthritis symptoms. One of the easiest ways to introduce inflammation-relieving foods into one’s life is with delicious smoothies. Try these twelve arthritis-friendly smoothies at home to alleviate joint pain. Pineapple and turmeric smoothie Blend a quarter of a pineapple with water, orange, turmeric, lemon zest, mango, ginger, carrot, and salt. This delicious yellow smoothie is rich in antioxidants from pineapple, orange, and turmeric, which can reduce oxidative stress in the body. The main active component of turmeric, curcumin, inhibits COX-2, the enzyme that causes joint pain and inflammation, helping reduce symptoms of arthritis. The pineapple, orange, and mango add vitamin C to the smoothie, which also helps fight inflammation. Pineapple also contains the enzyme bromelain, which can help reduce arthritic pain. Kiwi and kale green smoothie Blend two kiwis with a bunch of kale, one mango, one orange, and some water to create a quick and easy green smoothie.
10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a covering that protects the nerve fibers, and leads to several debilitating symptoms. It is a complex health disorder without any cure and its exact cause is unknown. However, lifestyle changes such as eating mindfully may help manage the condition. Certain types of foods worsen the symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Saturated fats are mostly found in animal-based products and by-products. Additionally, they are present in certain types of oils. Saturated fats increase inflammation levels in the body as these raise the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disorders, which most people with multiple sclerosis are highly prone to have. So, it is best to avoid foods with saturated fats, such as: Red meat Full-fat dairy Butter Processed snacks, such as cakes, cookies, and chips Palm oil Coconut oil Trans fats Another group of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis is those containing trans fats. Just like saturated fats, trans fats also increase the level of inflammation in the body. Trans fats are known to increase inflammation levels within blood vessels.
7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting the nerves communicating signals from the brain. An intricate network of nerves runs throughout the body carrying electrical impulses and signals to control a specific part or function. Parkinson’s disrupts these communication channels, making it difficult to control automatic reflexes and movements. It is only possible to manage Parkinson’s with early diagnosis as the disease has no cure. Tremors One of the first signs of developing Parkinson’s is tremors. People might experience different intensities of this motor function, but often, resting tremors are the first indicators of the neurological disorder. Resting tremors develop when the body is active and subside when the body is at rest. For example, one might not notice the tremors while using the hand actively. But when the hand is in a rested position, these tremors develop abruptly and are more noticeable while walking or sitting. Tremors that get worse with time start to interfere with regular activities like writing or shaving, among other actions that require fine gross motor skills. The uncontrolled shaking starts with just the thumb or one of the fingers, usually affecting one hand. However, the intensity of these tremors varies depending on how quickly the condition progresses.

Most Popular

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes
01

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes

An overactive bladder (OAB) results in frequent, unexpected urges to urinate. When one is dealing with an overactive bladder, they can experience frequent urges during the day and at night, along with incontinence. However, simple changes, such as better food choices, timed voiding, and bladder-holding techniques utilizing the pelvic floor muscles, can help one manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Here are a few things one should know when affected by OAB: Signs One may experience the following symptoms: Sudden and frequent urge to urinate Accidental urination right after experiencing an urge to urinate (urgency incontinence) Frequent urination, typically two or more times every few hours Need to go to the washroom more than two times every night (nocturia) Even if one can urinate normally when dealing with an overactive bladder, symptoms like unexpected frequent urination and nighttime urination can disrupt daily routine and cause discomfort. Doctors may refer the patient to a urologist, who focuses on illnesses and conditions of the reproductive system and urinary tract. One should consult a doctor as soon as they notice any of the signs. Overactive bladder is common in older adults, but some women can develop the issue at about 45. Ways to manage an overactive bladder People with overactive bladder may respond to a variety of therapies.
Read More

© 2024 EntryNotes.com. All Rights Reserved.