A form of visual impairment mostly occurring in elderly people or those above the age of 50-55 years, age related macular degeneration (AMD) or macular degeneration is characterized by a loss of vision in the center of the eye.
Though loss of vision in the central part of the eye can affect the individual drastically, the little peripheral vision can help him/her carry out daily activities with ease. Listed below are a few treatments that may help combat and control macular degeneration.
Best Treatments For Macular Degeneration
Photodynamic Therapy
Generally used to treat wet age related macular degeneration, photodynamic therapy has helped many patients around the world restore their central vision to a considerable extent.A drug called ‘verteporfin’ is injected to the patient, followed by a radiation of light of certain wavelength which is applied to the blood vessels on the retina. This radiation of light stimulates the verteprofin to obliterate the vessels, thus reducing the complications and restoring central vision.
Medications
The most commonly used medicines to treat age related macular degeneration include anti-angiogenic or anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs.This is because macular degeneration is known to occur as a result of abnormal proliferation of blood vessels in the retina, which is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor. Bevacizumab, pegatanib and aflibercept are among the most widely used drugs that reduce the severity of macular degeneration.
Supplements
Certain dietary supplements are also thought to contribute to the improvement of the condition of those suffering from age related macular degeneration. A great reduction in the risk of age related macular degeneration is observed among a number of elderly people after an increase in the consumption of the carotenoids-lutein and zeaxanthin.Also, a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet relates to a decrease in early progression of advanced macular degeneration.
People suffering from age related macular degeneration have been noted to have a deficiency in antioxidants.Antioxidants actually help protect the body against unstable oxygen and free radical damage, which is one of the major causes of retinal damage. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants not only helps ward away macular degeneration, but also many other severe illnesses.
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Adaptive Devices
Since only the central vision is affected in this disorder, use of certain special devices such as magnifying glass, computer screen readers, TV systems that enlarge the objects and special eyeglass lenses can help a patient control the illness and handle it better. Special computer programs like JAWS and Thunder, which can be easily used on a windows based computer can also prove to be beneficial for a lot of people suffering from this condition.
Surgery
Laser operations and other medical procedures also help treat macular degeneration to a good extent.If laser surgery is carried out during the early stages of this disease, it may help reduce the possible vision loss.
Self-Care
Smoking plays a great impact on ophthalmic heath. People over 50 years of age, and those suffering from different ocular conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and dry need to be extra careful and reduce their nicotine consumption. Also, people must be encouraged to use the remaining peripheral vision and carry out their day-to-day activities.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.