Friday, April 21, 2017

Understanding The Macular Degeneration And How Macular Supplements Can Help

By Ryan Watson


Macular degeneration is a serious condition of the eye in which the eye loses its sense of perception, or sharpness, or more specifically, the sharp, central vision of the eye. The condition makes it difficult to read and even to see the fine print, such as the fine print on a warranty or a contract, for instance. It usually affects people 60 and over, and sometimes it is more specifically called age-related macular degeneration. The macular supplements have been found to work in amazing ways in managing this disease.

Most of our retina (the light-sensitive tissue inside the eye) has light-sensing cells called "rods". They are very sensitive at light detection but not very sensitive to details. The macular is the 3/16" area of the central retina with light-sensing cells called "cones". They are very sensitive to visual detail and color perception. This region supplies the straight-ahead vision. In macular degeneration (MD), the macular cells are damaged and central straight-ahead vision becomes blurred or distorted.

Ten percent of these patients progress to "Wet ARMD" in which new blood vessels grow in below the macular and then leak blood into this region. The resulting scarring leaves areas of the macular that are blind. Many of these patients are legally blind.

Although anyone can have it, ARMD occurs most often in Caucasian females over age 65. Smoking increases the risk 6 times and living with a smoker doubles your risk. Being overweight also can double your risk. Another big risk factor is the excessive light exposure that surfers, sailors, farm workers, etc are exposed to.

There are two forms of the condition. The first type, dry MD, accounts for the majority of cases. It is usually noticed at an eye exam, as early stages do not normally produce symptoms. When an eye doctor spots yellow flecks beneath your retina, which is an indication of "drusen" deposits, the first warning sign of the disease. The doctor will further examine the deposits' size, as not all instances guarantee MD.

A person's skin, hair, and eyes contain melanin, which offers protection against harmful rays. While many researchers have gathered data on the topic, no concrete conclusions have linked exposure to the sun with this eye condition. However, it is a proven fact that melanin decreases with age, putting people at higher risk of ultraviolet light damage. Wear UV sunglasses as you age to make up for your body's decreased melanin and keep your eyes protected.

Preventing the symptoms of MD could be as easy as taking an antioxidant supplement. Antioxidants are those substances like vitamins, which work to combat the negative effects of free radicals such as those found in air pollution. Examples of antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, and E.

Vision aids can help train your sight, especially in the areas of peripheral vision. Surgery is an option too as are injections. Laser surgery is reported to be very effective, quick, easy and free of pain. Laser eye treatment is one solution for eye conditions, as are all the other options listed.

The surgeon gently removes this area and moves it to a safer environment in the eye. This retinal translocation seems to be working well for many people suffering from ARMD. With proper supplements with the right vitamins, you don't have to experiment these surgical procedures that are not even guaranteed to work.




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