ARMD
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).
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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
CAUSES
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
TREATMENT
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.
