The National Eye Institute states that
age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual loss in
America. According to their statics,
close to 2.1 million people
50 years and older had macular degeneration in 2010. That number is expected to more than double
by 2050. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) say approximately 6.5 percent of Americans age 40 and above
have some degree of the disease.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
occurs most often after age 60 and causes loss in the center of the field of
vision. The two types of macular degeneration include dry macular degeneration
that causes the center of the retina to begin to deteriorate. In wet macular degeneration, new blood
vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. Unusually fuzzy or distorted vision is one
symptom and the dry form (85 to 90 percent of AMD cases) is more common than
the wet form. Wet macular degeneration
typically leads to more serious vision loss.
The degeneration of the macula affects
our ability to read, recognize faces, drive, and many other visual tasks that
requires us to see fine detail. As the
condition progresses, the areas of blurred vision may increase and blank spots
may appear.
The good news is that patients with
dry AMD are less likely to go blind than in the past with today’s treatment
options that include a specific combination of high-dose vitamins and minerals. Dr. Peter Campbell,
a retina specialist, says that “Prompt recognition of macular degeneration is
important to avoid it advancing to the point where failing central vision means
people can no longer recognize faces.”
The most important advice he gives is for people over 60 to get regular
eye exams. Risks for the disease include
age, smoking and family history.
At MorningStar
at Bear Creek, we are dedicated to providing one of the
best Alzheimer homes in the area. Our
community has 48 suites for the individualized care of those suffering from dementia,
and in addition, we are a resource for families in the Colorado Springs area
dealing with Alzheimer’s. At Bear Creek, we lovingly care for seniors
from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.
This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with
any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.
MorningStar
at Bear Creek embodies the very best in Alzheimer homes with a distinct mission
statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest”.
With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing
in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care
within a beautiful home-like setting.
Please set up a tour to see for yourself our exceptional community.
Source:
health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-02-23/macular-degeneration-managing-this-vision-condition
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