Macular Degeneration: What you need to know to preserve your eye sight.

When do you need to see a retina specialist?

What should you expect from your retina specialist at your first appointment.

The retina is like a video camera with the ability to send messages to the brain.

The retina’s function, is to record the images one sees, and then send it to the brain, via the optic nerve.

Macula is a part of the retina which helps to focus the central vision of the eye.

Thus macula helps a person recognize faces, see colour, read, and also see objects with fine details.

Macular Degeneration or Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), happens when the macula deteriorates, and loses it’s ability to receive the images correctly, and hence cannot send it to the brain.

Age related Macular Degeneration affects up to 15 million people in North America – as stated by the American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO).

In the United States, macular degeneration or age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of blindness for people aged 50 and above.

Common risk factors for Age related macular degeneration (AMD):

Dr. Niteen Dedhia, Retina specialist in Mumbai, Ojas Eye Hospital, says “There are a number of factors that may cause AMD. A person’s medical, lifestyle and genetic factors play an important role”.

A person may be at a risk of developing age related macular degeneration if :

• They have hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
• If they have a family history of age related macular degeneration.
• If their eyes are frequently exposed to the ultra violet or UV Rays without any protection.
• If they have a habit of smoking
• If they are obese
• If they are 55yrs of age or more

Symptoms of Age related Macular Degeneration:

The initial stages of AMD, may not show any noticeable symptoms. But when the condition progresses, it may cause blurred vision and eventually leading to the loss of the eye’s central vision. However, people may still retain their peripheral vision.

In the highly advanced stage of AMD, people may see images like that of a photograph which has been eclipsed by a black hole in the centre.

Since the initial stages of AMD can be easily missed or ignored, it is advised to take an appointment with a retina specialist in case any of the following symptoms:

• If you experience Distortion – where straight lines, appear curved.
• If you experience a Change in the perceptions of colour
• If there are darkened areas in the centre of your vision
• If your vision is worsening, especially if there is a quick onset of one eye getting worse than the other

Prevention of AMD or Age related Macular Degeneration:

Since Age Related Macular Degeneration cannot be cured, it is best to manage or focus on prevention of AMD.

“Some risk factors like genetics and age are beyond one’s control, however, there are a few lifestyle changes, that one can adopt, to delay the development of AMD” – Says Dr. Niteen Dedhia, Retina specialist in Mumbai, Ojas Eye Hospital.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent or Delay Age-related Macular Degeneration:

• Losing weight in case of obesity and maintaining a healthy weight
• Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in control
• Having your routine eye check ups regularly
• Quit smoking
• Try to have a healthy diet
• Try to have a moderately active lifestyle
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 100% of the UVA and UVB light.

To Know More:

Visit www.retinaindia.in , or call: +91-9137462795 and book an appointment with the Best Retina Specialists in Mumbai, at Ojas Eye Hospital, Mumbai.