Maybe you have recently discovered that you or a relative has age-related macular degeneration, likewise referred to as AMD. You most likely do not understand very much regarding the disorder or recognize exactly what is going on inside your eyes if you are like a lot of individuals.
The reality is that Macular Risk and AMD is now the leading reason for loss of sight for persons over 60.
Exactly What Is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration or (AMD) is a medical eye condition that affects many older adults and can result in total vision loss in the central visual field, also known as the macula. AMD is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults over 50. The macula is located in the center part of the retina and it controls our central vision. AMD affects our central visuals which can make it difficult to recognize faces, read, and move around effectively. Only the peripheral vision is left, with the central vision being reduced to out of focus images and blank areas.
AMD is a common eye condition among people age 50 and older. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It progressively damages the macula, the component of the eye that gives the sharp, central vision required for seeing items plainly.
In some individuals, AMD can happen so gradually that eyesight reduction may not happen for a long period of time. In others, the ailment proceeds a lot faster and might cause a reduction of eyesight in one or each of the eyes. The eyesight reduction makes it tough to acknowledge faces, steer a vehicle, review, print, or perform close up work.
Despite the limited vision, AMD does not cause complete blindness. You will be able to see using your side (peripheral) vision.
The Macula
The macula consists of millions of light-sensing cells that supply sharp, central vision. The macula is the sensitive component of the retina, which is in the back of the eye. The retina converts light into electric signals which is sends via the optic nerve to the brain. The brain then converts the signals into visual images that we can see. When damage happens to the macula, the clarity of the images is affected. The image is still visible, but it is not sharp and clear.
Some optometrists and eye doctors now offer a macular degeneration test. If you are showing signs of AMD or have been diagnosed with the disease, the test can give your doctor critical statistics helping them to predict how AMD will affect your vision and enabling them to design a vision care plan tailored to your needs.
