Dealing With Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration usually occurs after 60. This is a condition associated with the aging process. It leads to degeneration of the macula, which is part of the retina, causing loss in central vision. What we see directly in front of us is called central vision. Macular degeneration leads to blindness.
Types of macular degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration – dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is characterized by gradual destruction of the cells of the macula, gradually blurring the central vision. In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels develop below the central part of the retina.
These blood vessels bleed, causing scarring of the retina, consequently destroying the macula region. Unlike dry macular degeneration, wet macular degeneration occurs rapidly. It first starts in one eye, rapidly spreading to the other eye.
Although wet macular degeneration is responsible for only 15% of macular degeneration cases, but nonetheless, it is responsible for larger number macular degeneration related blindness.
Macular degeneration risk factors
Besides advanced age, several factors might increase the risk of macular degeneration. Genetic factors may be responsible for this condition. Macular degeneration often runs in the family. Although macular generation can occur in all races, but whites or people with light iris color are more prone to this condition.
Women have greater risk of developing this condition. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can aggravate macular degeneration. High myopia can be associated with this condition. Sleep apnea, obesity, smoking and prolonged consumption of certain medications can cause macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration symptoms
The symptoms of macular degeneration include blurring of central vision, straight lines appear bent, appearance of blind spots and objects might look small in one eye.
Macular degeneration home remedies
Vision loss from macular degeneration could not be reversed. However, we can try to prevent or arrest the progression of this illness through diet and lifestyle changes. You can reduce the severity of macular degeneration by avoiding smoking. Certain nutrients can protect degeneration of the eye cells. Vitamin A and beta-carotenes are extremely beneficial for the eyes.
Green leafy vegetables are packed with eye friendly phytonutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin that protect our retina cells from destruction. Carrots are extremely good for the eyes. Vitamins C and E could also protect our eyes from macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acid content of fish oil is also good for our eyes. Antioxidant trace minerals such as zinc and selenium are beneficial for the eyes.
