People over 50 should have regular eye examinations at least one a year to detect the early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in that age group.
This is highly recommended for patients considered at risk for AMD such as smokers, those with high blood pressure or coronary heart disease, light skin or eye color, and people with a diet low in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Doctors say early treatment is effective and can stop further vision loss. This is carried out by means of photodynamic (PDT) or laser therapy.
AMD affects 30 million people worldwide and causes loss of central vision. Of the two types, the less common wet form of AMD causes severe and dramatic vision loss in two to three years. This is due to the presence of abnormal blood vessels that damage the macula – the light-sensitive part of the eye.
“The rapid progression of AMD makes detection at an early stage likely to reduce the high risk of severe vision loss. Patients should also carry out self-monitoring, which, in conjunction with regular eye tests, will help detect the disease as early as possible,” said Dr. Michael Sickenberg of Hospital Ophtalmique Universitaire Jules Gonin in Switzerland.
One simple test is the Amsler Grid. This is a pattern of straight lines in the form of a square with a dot on the center. The patient covers one eye at a time and focuses on the center dot. If the person sees wavy or fuzzy lines, he or she may be suffering from AMD. Visual distortions due to wet AMD may cause straight lines to appear bent. The size and color of objects may also appear differently with each eye.
Those with the wet form of AMD can greatly benefit from a drug that is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and is activated by a non-heat producing laser light. This starts a chemical process that destroys abnormal blood vessels and stops the progression of vision loss.
If old age causes the skin surrounding your eyes to look puffy, baggy, and ugly, get help with Eyevive. This powerful cream helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, and other signs of aging. For details, visit http://www.eyevive.com.
Related Articles
Bent Lines May Signal Age-related Blindness
By: Janet Martin | 05/12/2007 | Health
People who see the world differently with their eyes aren’t necessarily being romantic or cynical. They may be suffering from a serious disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
Millions Will Go Blind Due to Age-related Eye Disease
By: Janet Martin | 06/12/2007 | Health
By 2020, as many as 7.5 million people over 65 years of age may suffer from vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Are you a Candidate for Age-related Blindness?
By: Janet Martin | 06/12/2007 | Health
Do you smoke? Are you suffering from hypertension? Are you always exposed to sunlight? If you answered “yes” to the above questions and are over 50 years old, you’re at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that affects 30 million people worldwide.
Smoke Gets in your Eyes
By: Janet Martin | 05/12/2007 | Health
American author and humorist Mark Twain once remarked that it was easy to quit smoking. He had done it a hundred times!
Easy Ways to Eliminate Eye Bags
By: Janet Martin | 01/08/2007 | Diseases & Conditions
Hollywood is the home of many glamorous movie stars whom we often remember for their good looks and unique features. But as far as I know, none has been immortalized for eye bags except Peter Lorre.
Perfect Vision Through Nutrition
By: Janet Martin | 05/12/2007 | Health
The next time you dine, don’t forget to eat your vegetables. They may reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a serious disease that affects 30 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
Hemorrhoid Cream for Eye Bags?
By: Janet Martin | 03/08/2007 | Cosmetics
If you have eye bags, you’ve probably heard about this old “remedy” that was endorsed by your own mom or grandmother. Go to the nearest drugstore and grab a tube of Preparation H. This hemorrhoid cream will supposedly get rid of puffy eyes fast.
How Vitamins Can Save your Sight
By: Janet Martin | 07/12/2007 | Health
Throughout the ages, people had different ways of caring for the eyes. The Sioux Indians blew the dust of bezoar stones into the eyes to strengthen sight and improve the intellect. Seamen wore gold earrings for generations to sharpen vision. Bee products like royal jelly and propolis - which can cause allergic and other adverse reactions – are also touted by some “health food” advocates as a cure for poor eyesight.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Legally blind 90 year old woman
By: judycorcoran3118 | 29-09-2008
services for the blind information regarding services for a person that is legally blind?
I keep getting blind spots in my vision, followed ...
By: Deborah | 26-08-2008
I keep getting blurry spots in my vision, followed by bright colorful lights, I can best discribe them as electric, vivid, almost T.V. like colideoscope lights that swirl around and blind my vision for up to 10, 15 minutes, then just go away! (I don't know how to spell coelydescope!) But what could be causing this?
Macular Degeneration, what to expect?
By: nancyf | 23-08-2008
I have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and will find out on Sept. 10th if some bleeding behind one eye will require surgery. I asked the doctor if the surgry would affect my sight and he said "not necessarily." I just don't know what to expect and want to get my "affairs in order." I presently work part-time, am an avid reader, etc.
Repercussions to fake eyelashes?!?!?!
By: JenniferL | 24-11-2007
i heard something on the news about fake eyelashes and the glue that's used to put them on with causing blindness or deterioration in eyesight. is there any truth to this?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Acne Control - Find Out 4 Reasons Why You Need to Be Proactive in Treatment
By: Ingrid Lihan | 18/11/2008
Even if you are not sure that there will be an acne control product that will work for you, it is important that you act to improve the condition of your skin.
Acne control is a goal for every adolescent or adult that has suffered from the ravages of this unsightly,...
Discover More Energy
By: Steven A Johnson | 18/11/2008
We are all familiar with the age old expression "you are what you eat". Long before people knew what vitamins were, they still recognized the importance of eating certain foods to maintain their health. The ancient Egyptians discovered that liver cured night blindness, an illness that is caused by a...
Warning - Stop Smoking Drugs May Be Hazerdous to Your Health
By: Jonathan Bell | 18/11/2008
Smoking is its own punishment.
But many smokers are being doubly punished these days with 1) a smoking cessation drug that might actually be worse for you than smoking, and 2) a new vaccine recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It's enough to inspire you to stop smoking just...
Children and Asthma
By: Mercy Maranga | 18/11/2008
Asthma in children can be very traumatizing especially to the parents. The causes can vary.
Asthma Respiratory
By: Mercy Maranga | 18/11/2008
When one has the asthma condition, it usually affects the respiratory system. As a result, one usually suffers from shortness of breath and chest pains.
Mild Asthma
By: Mercy Maranga | 18/11/2008
This is asthma that does not drastically affect the quality of one's life. The symptoms are not severe.
Treatments for Asthma
By: Mercy Maranga | 18/11/2008
Asthma is a condition that affects the respiratory system of a person. It has no cure. One has to know how to live with the condition.
What You Deserve to Know About Heart Health!
By: Steven A Johnson | 18/11/2008
The average human heart will beat approximately 2.5 billion times during a 66 year lifespan, which is roughly 72 beats per minute! It is the most important muscle in the body, so it is vital for your health to keep it functioning at its best! Heart disease is the number...
More from Janet Martin
Outdated Beauty Rules You Need to Ditch
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Skin Care
When it comes to beauty and fashion, there are really no hard and fast rules. What may be beautiful during the time of your mom may no longer be beautiful or fashionable at present.
Top 3 Reasons Why Detoxification is Just What You Need
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Wellness
In order to help your large intestine become more efficient in what it does, you might need to cleanse your colon. Below are top three reasons why you need to undergo colon cleansing:
Wondering Why Sleep Deprivation is Bad for You? Read This!
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Sleep
Sleep is as important as food and shelter. Here are some of the consequences of lack of sleep to watch out for:
6 Exciting and Proven Ways to Look, Feel Younger
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Skin Care
Even if you are already nearing your retirement age, you do not have to feel old and grumpy. You can still live a happy and active retirement by starting to change your perspective and putting emphasis on your health and beauty.
4 Tips on Choosing the Right Supplement for You
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Nutrition
There are so many herbal supplements that are flooding the market. However, with so many supplements available, it may be hard for people like us to determine what to buy.
Various Anti Cellulite Treatment Methods to Help You
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Women's Health
If there is one thing that can ruin your perfect bikini body, it is cellulite on your thighs or buttocks. The problem is, no matter how much you diet and exercise, these fatty lumps are hard to eliminate.
Top Four Reasons Why Men Stray in Relationships
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Marriage
Many relationship experts claim that men innately want to please their wives or the women in their lives. However, due to various reasons, including instinctive behavior, men seem to be more likely to cheat than women.
3 Telltale Symptoms of Perimenopause
By: Janet Martin | 22/10/2008 | Women's Health
Perimenopause is a stage in a woman's life that may last for about 4 to 10 years. This phase actually prepares you for a lot of changes in your body that you will have to face during menopause and post-menopause.
Health 
| Posted: 06-12-2007 | Comments: 
