| WHAT IS
MACULA ?
In the back of the eye is the retina, which
is analogous to the film of a camera. One small area of the retina, called the
macula, is devoid of visible blood vessels and has the highest concentration of
photo-receptors (light capturing cells). This is the area of the retina that accounts
for visual acuity. The center of the macula is called the fovea. This small area
of the retina is used when you look straight ahead. It is the area used to drive
a car, read a book, and watch television. WHAT IS ARMD ?
It is an abbreviation for a disorder called Age Related Macular Degeneration.
ARMD is a degenerative disease, which affects macula, a spot on the center of
retina where sharpest image of the eye is formed. Macula is the most sensitive
part of retina responsible for central vision. In some cases ARMD advances
so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others it progresses
faster and may lead to loss of vision in both eyes. It is one of the leading cause
of loss of vision in adult over 60 years of age.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
OF ARMD ?
- ARMD causes no pain.
- Loss of central
vision: This may be gradual for those with dry type. Patients with wet type may
lose vision suddenly.
- Straight lines in your field of vision
like electric / telephone poles, the sides of building appear wary.
- Words
in books, newspapers & magazines appear blurry.
- Dark / empty
spaces may block the vision.
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| Normal Eye |
Eye Affected with ARMD | WHAT
CAUSES MACULAR DEGENERATION ?
ARMD may be caused by number of factors
like improper nutrition, aging, smoking, genetics, sunlight exposure etc. WHAT
ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ARMD ?
There are 2 different types of ARMD.
- Dry type : It is more common type (90% cases). In this type,
there is gradual blurring of central vision. You may have difficulty in recognizing
faces and may need more light for reading and other tasks. It generally affects
both eyes.
One of the most common early signs of dry ARMD is drusen,
which are yellow deposits under the retina. Routine eye check-up can help in diagnosing
this condition.
-
Wet type : It is more severe type
of ARMD but fortunately occurs only in 10% of cases. An early symptom of wet ARMD
is that straight lines appear wavy. If you notice the symptom, you should consult
your eye doctor as early as possible. It may result in severe loss of vision.
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