AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

This is  a medical condition which may result in blurry or no vision in the center of the visual field, this means when you are looking at a target at the center of your vision, whether it is close enough or far from you, it will be blurry.

But your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands.

Macular degeneration typically occurs in older people, usually 50 years and older.

There are two types of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) namely Dry and Wet AMD. The dry AMD is the most common form, affecting 80-90% of AMD patients. Most patients with dry AMD notice a gradual, painless loss of vision that progresses with time. The Wet AMD is more visually threatening condition and accounts for 10-20% of AMD cases. Patients with wet AMD typically experience more significant vision loss than those with dry AMD.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE MACULAR DEGENERATION?

Here are the basic symptoms you tend to experience:

1. Distorted vision: Straight lines  appears wavy.

2. Loss of vision: Your vision continue to reduce.

3. Blurred vision: You may notice a gradual or rapid loss of central vision, depending on the type of macular degeneration you have.

4. Loss of Colour Vision: You may have difficulty recognising different colours.

 

WHO ARE THOSE PRONE TO MACULAR DEGENERATION?

1. Those with family history of AMD

2. Cigarettes smokers

3. Those whose diet is high in saturated fat (found in foods like meat, butter, and cheese)

4. Those who are Overweight

5. Those who have uncontrolled Hypertension (high blood pressure)

6. If you are over 50 years old.

AMD causes your vision to change over time. You may not notice these changes when they happen. But you need to catch vision changes as soon as possible. Treating them early can help slow or stop further loss of sight. You should use an Amsler grid regularly to monitor your vision.

 

Here is how to use the Amsler grid:

1.    In good light, look at the grid from about 12–15 inches away. Be sure to wear your reading glasses if you normally use them.

2.    Cover one eye. Look directly at the dot in the center of the grid with your uncovered eye. Notice if any of the lines look bent or wavy. See if any part of the grid looks blurry, dim, or out of shape.

3.    Now cover your other eye and test your vision this same way again.

4.    Please this is not a substitute for eye test. We highly recommend you carry out a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.

At Supreme Vision Eye Clinic,  YOUR VISION IS OUR VISION

Supreme Vision (Eye clinic)
2, Bouar Close, Off Bangui Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent Wuse 2, Abuja.

Tel: +234 808 586 1111