Dry Macular Degeneration: List of Things One Must Know!

Symptoms for dry macular degeneration generally develop slowly and are painless as well. Some of them are:

• Visual distortions, like straight lines, seem bent
• Affected central vision in one or mostly in both eyes
• Inability to do close work without bright light
• Difficult adjustment of eyes from light to dim lit places
• The blurriness of printed words
• A problem in recognizing faces

Generally, these symptoms are noticeable in both eyes. If only one eye shows the symptoms, the person won't be able to notice much change in vision. Because the strong eye makes up for the weak eye. Also, the condition rarely causes total blindness as the condition does not affect the peripheral vision.

Dry Macular Degeneration Causes

The exact cause of the condition is unknown to anyone. However, as per researches, the combination of heredity and environmental conditions, including factors like smoking and eating habits also lead to dry macular degeneration. Elderly people suffer through the condition mostly. The condition, dry macular degeneration affects the macula, which is an area of the retina that is helpful in a clear vision of the eye. With age, the tissue present in macula get weak and think, eventually, break down. However, there is the involvement of environmental factors as well. Thus, scientists are working towards covering all the factors and causes.

Risk factors

Some of the factors that can increase the risk of dry macular degeneration are: Age is one of the biggest and known factors for the condition. Generally, the condition occurs when the person is over 65. Genetics is another factor that can increase the risk of developing the condition. The condition is categorised under hereditary conditions as genes are identified to be one of the factors. Race is considered to be a risk factor as it is found more in whites as compared to other races. Lifestyle Factors are also responsible for the condition. Smoking cigarettes or exposing oneself to more smoke can increase the risk of dry macular degeneration. Obesity also leads to the risk of dry macular degeneration. Obese people are more prone to developing the condition as compared to other people. Cardiovascular diseases or problems related to heart and blood vessels lead to the risk of macular degeneration.

Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment

Slowing down the progression of the condition is the only way to deal with the condition. However, it can not be cured permanently. To slow down the progression of the condition, one can eat right, quit smoking, and take vitamins and supplements.

Adaptation to Low Vision

If the macular degeneration is due to the age factor, there will be no effects on peripheral vision. However, it gets difficult to do daily jobs. For example, reading, shopping, and driving, etc. Henceforth, one of the ways to deal with the condition is taking help from low vision rehabilitation specialists. While working with them, one can learn to adapt to the changed vision. They can help the person to adapt themselves as per the vision. There are also occupational therapist, eye doctors, and trained specialists who can help to adjust as per the situation.

Implantation of Telescopic Lens

It is possible a few people, who are suffering from advanced dry macular degeneration. One can go for implantation of the telescopic lens in one of the eyes to enhance the vision. The lens seems like a little plastic tube. However, that little plastic tube can help to magnify the field of vision. The implantation can help the person to be comfortable with distant as well as nearby objects. However, the field of view is narrow and can be helpful in watching and identifying street signs.

Preventions for Dry Macular Degeneration

One must take up some home remedies and preventions to avoid the risk of the condition.

1) Quit Smoking:

One must quit smoking to avoid risks. Consulting the doctor to help one quitting smoking is a good idea.

2) Healthy Eating:

One must stick to a healthy and complete diet to avoid such risks. Inclusion of green leafy veggies and fruits is a must. Intake of veggies like broccoli, kale, spinach, and peas are rich in antioxidants. Also, they include lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

3) Medical Scenarios:

If one is under some medication like the medicines of high blood pressure, doctor consultation is a must. Tell the doctor about the condition and he/she will adjust the dosage accordingly.

4) Routine checkups:

If the symptoms are there, doctors should be consulted. Also, follow-ups are important and one must ask the doctors about the regular interval to see him/her. All such steps along with proper workout can help one to reduce the risk of dry macular degeneration.