The ARMD And The Macular Supplements Information

By Ryan Watson


Macular degeneration is a serious condition of the eye in which the eye loses its sense of perception, or sharpness, or more specifically, the sharp, central vision of the eye. The condition makes it difficult to read and even to see the fine print, such as the fine print on a warranty or a contract, for instance. It usually affects people 60 and over, and sometimes it is more specifically called age-related macular degeneration. The macular supplements have been found to work in amazing ways in managing this disease.

Aging makes a particular person gradually lose his or her senses including eyesight. Vision is probably one of the most important out of all the senses that people have, and yet the aging process causes it to deteriorate eventually, which may lead to blindness.

One of the main causes of losing eyesight is macular degeneration (MD). It can affect people of all ages. Still, most of the people who are affected by this condition are those who are already about fifty to sixty years of age. Some lose sight because of having diabetic retinopathy and seek various treatments including laser eye procedures and other methods. In this article, the focus will be given on how to prevent and treat MD and save the eyesight.

Although anyone can have it, ARMD occurs most often in Caucasian females over age 65. Smoking increases the risk 6 times and living with a smoker doubles your risk. Being overweight also can double your risk. Another big risk factor is the excessive light exposure that surfers, sailors, farm workers, etc are exposed to.

There are two forms of the condition. The first type, dry MD, accounts for the majority of cases. It is usually noticed at an eye exam, as early stages do not normally produce symptoms. When an eye doctor spots yellow flecks beneath your retina, which is an indication of "drusen" deposits, the first warning sign of the disease. The doctor will further examine the deposits' size, as not all instances guarantee MD.

A person's skin, hair, and eyes contain melanin, which offers protection against harmful rays. While many researchers have gathered data on the topic, no concrete conclusions have linked exposure to the sun with this eye condition. However, it is a proven fact that melanin decreases with age, putting people at higher risk of ultraviolet light damage. Wear UV sunglasses as you age to make up for your body's decreased melanin and keep your eyes protected.

Preventing the symptoms of MD could be as easy as taking an antioxidant supplement. Antioxidants are those substances like vitamins, which work to combat the negative effects of free radicals such as those found in air pollution. Examples of antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, and E.

This eye condition mainly affects those 60 years of age and up. It has been estimated that approximately 10% of people from 66 to 74, for instance, will discover they have the above eye condition. With those between the ages of 75 to 85, the rate can be even higher. People suffering from MD symptoms, or the disease, often have small yellowish spots on their macular. It is still unknown whether these spots are merely cholesterol deposits or perhaps the effect of taking cholesterol-lowering medications.

Lifestyle choices also play a part, and smoking is way up there as a well-known cause of all types of MD. Obesity can be another contributing factor. If you have been exposed to lots of sunlight, through your career or perhaps you live nearer the equator then this puts you in a higher risk category also.




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