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Shield Your Eyes From Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when part of the retina deteriorates. It is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among older Americans. For this reason, it is also called age-related macular degeneration or AMD.

There are two types of AMD: dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular). The dry version will sometimes progress to a more serious wet condition. Neovascular refers to a condition in which new blood vessels grow in a place where they are not supposed to be. If you are also affected by the use of Elmiron and want a legal advisor then you may search on google about California Elmiron Eye Legal Help.

It's all about the macula

Both types of AMD affect the macula, a yellow oval disc near the center of the retina. The yellow color of the macula comes from a pigment essential to protect and maintain vision and filters blue light, the most damaging of the visual spectrum. As we age, this pigmentation begins to fray and the macula begins to lose its protective power. Vision loss is slow and painless, but for patients, it is evident when daily tasks like reading and driving become more difficult.

With dry AMD, the tissues around the macula begin to wear away as pigmentation deteriorates, sometimes leaving small deposits on the macula. Patients can see blind spots in their central vision.

About ten percent of dry cases progress to wet, where new blood vessels begin to grow under the retina in an attempt to create a new network to transport more nutrients and oxygen there. However, this is counterproductive because the new vessels lose blood and fluid, causing even more damage.

Prevention and treatment of AMD

There are no cures for AMD, but researchers have recently identified new treatments for intermediate and late stages through two Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS). These studies find that getting more amounts of certain nutrients can delay the condition in the middle and later stages and possibly provide some protection to people at risk for it.