Overview
ARMD is a condition which generally affects older adults and leads to vision loss in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. This condition is considered as the major cause of blindness and visual impairment in older adults (>50 years).
Most common causes of ARMD are:
- Aging - Approximately 10% of patients 66 to 74 years of age have more chances of macular degeneration
- Family history
- Macular degeneration gene
- Hypertension
- Fat intake
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cholesterol
- Oxidative stress
- Smoking
Signs and symptoms of macular degeneration include:
- Drusen
- Pigmentary alterations
- Hemorrhages in the eye, hard exudates
- Atrophy
- Decreasing visual acuity
- Blurred vision
- Central scotomas
- Distored vision
- Trouble discerning colors, especially dark ones
- Slow recovery of visual function after exposure to bright light
- A loss in contrast sensitivity
There is no permanent cure for ARMD. In some cases ARMD may be active and then slow down or even stop progressing for many years. The aim is to keep a check on progression of the disease and take measures to improve functional capability of the patient.
Other Conditions & Treatments
- Cataract
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Keratoconus
- LASIK Eye Surgery
- Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens (IOLs)
- Ptosis
- Squint (Strabismus)