People who dread the thought of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have good reason to feel the way they do, reported Faribault Daily News.
According to the article, AMD, an eye condition that results from progressive retina deterioration, is the primary cause of blindness among those who are older than 55. The article, however, offered a glimmer of hope. It pointed out that all is not doom and gloom for those who grasp what the risks are and adopt preventative measures. What’s more, new developments in treatment mean that an AMD diagnosis need not be seen as the end of the world.
According to the article, circulation can be a contributing factor to the onset of AMD. However, the article added that people can be their own best advocate on this front by keeping their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight in check. Another critical lifestyle change is exercise. People who make regular exercise a part of their schedule can lower their odds of getting AMD.
According to the article, protecting eye health also requires eating the right things. What this means is that people should consume foods high in antioxidants. Eating copious amounts of leafy green vegetation and bright-colored fruits will also help to ward of AMD or to slow down its progression.
While there are lots of things people can do to reduce their risks of getting AMD, the fact of the matter is that some will still be diagnosed with the serious eye condition. According to the article, there is little that can be done for those who come down with the dry version of AMD.
However, there are treatments available for people who get the wet version of AMD. Wet AMD, according to the article, can be treated by injecting medication directly in the eyes. This procedure shuts up leaking vessels, which ultimately prevents more vision loss. Since the relief provided by these injections last only a couple of months at most, patients need to get ongoing treatment. But until medical advances can produce longer-lasting relief, people will have to put up with these ongoing injections.
This article brought to you by PreserveMacForte.com