The Latest Macular Degeneration News
Many people, especially older individuals, are often interested in reading the latest Macular Degeneration news briefs. Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a disease that routinely strikes people over the age of 50 and causes severe loss of vision. If a person thinks that they may be showing signs of the disease (i.e., having difficulty reading or recognizing faces), then they start to ask questions and do some research.
The first question that many people ask is “What are the symptoms of ARMD?” They ask this because they may be having trouble seeing or they notice that their central vision has some blind spots or blurred areas. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced are a gradual (and sometimes quick) loss of vision, with little or no pain involved. The person also has blurred and fuzzy areas in their central vision field. Their overall vision is likely to be distorted, with wavy lines that may show dark areas at their centers. Many times the signs are hard to recognize and are often discovered during a routine eye exam. If ARMD is suspected, the doctor may likely perform a special angiography test to look closely at the blood vessels in the macula.
Another question that may be asked by a person who suspects ARMD is “What causes the disease?” They are many factors that can be attributed to ARMD, but advancing age is one that occurs most often. Family history can also be a factor, especially individuals with a certain gene deficiency known factor H (CFH). Lifestyles such as smoking and too much time in the sun can increase the likelihood of developing ARMD. Inactive and overweight individuals have a very high risk of getting the disease as do people with high blood pressure. Females are at higher risk than males and people with light colored eyes are more inclined to get the disease.
More and more older people are interested in learning all they can about the latest Age Related Macular Degeneration news. But, it never hurts to start becoming informed earlier in life so that protective steps can be taken to delay or even prevent the disease.
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