Vision Health is an important aspect of our overall health. We all know that eyesight deteriorates as we get older, and the causes of this deterioration are numerous. If you have been diagnosed with any of the following eye conditions, you may want to consider visiting your doctor for further advice.
Eye Conditions: Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is a condition which causes gradual deterioration of vision in people over 50 years old. This condition is caused by the loss of the light sensitive cells in the Macula. The Macula is responsible for central vision, or the ability to see straight ahead. The condition is progressive, meaning that it will worsen over time.
Macular Degenerative Disease is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly. It affects about 1% of the population over 50 years old.
Macular Degeneration Disease Symptoms
The first symptom of macular degeneration is usually a blurred area in the center of the vision. As the disease progresses, this blurred area will grow larger, and eventually cause a complete loss of central vision. Other symptoms include difficulty reading and seeing straight ahead, especially at night. In advanced cases, there is also a decrease in color vision, and the person may experience flashes of light or shadows when they move their eyes from side to side.
Macular Degeneration Disease Treatment
There is no cure for Macular Degeneration, but there are some treatments available to slow the progression of the condition. These treatments include:
- * Laser Therapy
- * Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) injections
- * Photodynamic Therapy
- * Transplanting healthy retinal tissue
Eye Conditions: Cataract
Cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which is located behind the iris and pupil. There are two types of cataracts – senile and congenital. Senile cataracts form in the lens of the eye, and are usually caused by aging. Congenital cataracts, on the other hand, are present at birth, and are usually due to a genetic disorder.
Cataract Causes
Senile cataracts develop gradually over time, and can be treated with surgery. However, congenital cataracts cannot be removed surgically, and usually require glasses or contact lenses to correct the vision.
Cataract Symptoms
As the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, the person will begin to experience a decrease in vision. This decrease in vision is often accompanied by glare, halos around lights, and double vision. The person may also notice a decrease in night vision, and may find it difficult to read.
Cataract Natural Treatments
There are several different types of treatment available to treat cataracts, depending on the severity of the condition.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment involves using a laser beam to remove the cloudy lens of the eye. The laser beam passes through the cornea, and destroys the cloudy lens.
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Factor (VEGF) Injections
Anti-VEGF injections work by blocking the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. These new blood vessels are the cause of cataracts. The anti-VEGF injections block the VEGF, which is responsible for the growth of new blood vessels.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves using a laser beam to destroy the cloudy lens. This method uses a drug called Verteporfin, which is activated by a laser beam. The drug then destroys the cloudy lens of the eye.
