Age-Related Macular Degeneration

As the years progress technology improves more and more. Technology is so advanced now every year a new gadget floods the market with better specs. Unfortunately this blog isn't about the latest gadget. We're still on the eyes.

Have you ever taken a picture with a rather old or low pixel phone? Were you satisfied with the outcome of the picture? I have and that fuzzy and grainy outcome was not what I expected.

The eye functions similarly to a camera. The film or specifically the rods and cones are responsible for capturing and generating crisp and vibrant images. As we get older these cells (rods and cones) slowly die thus our picture-taking mechanism becomes impaired. This impairment is known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is a common eye condition that affects both near and distance vision in one or both eyes, generally occurring in adults age 50 and over. Subsequently simple craft and leisure activities can become an impossible feat.

Symptoms include blurred or dark spots in vision as well as bent lines surrounding objects such as windows and picture frames or hand rails.

At this moment there isn't a cure for this condition however it may be preventable by following a few simple guidelines such as wearing sunglasses, eating healthy, an annual eye examination and taking special vitamins after reaching the age of 50. Vision should also be monitored daily using amsler grids or normal graph paper. If at any point lines become wave-like or blurred please consult an ophthalmologist immediately.