Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that progresses with age. It begins to affect people over the age of 40 by hindering sharp and central vision. Central vision is used for activities such as reading and driving. When central vision begins to deteriorate it can make completing daily tasks quite difficult.
Gut bacteria play an important role in determining age-related macular degeneration
Gut bacteria play an important role in determining the risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness affecting over 10 million people in North America alone.
AMD comes in wet and dry types, with wet AMD being the leading cause of blindness. Over time, treatments for AMD become less effective, so it is important to uncover newer treatments to tackle the problem in its early stages. Continue reading…
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among the elderly, is also linked to Alzheimer’s disease. A study has revealed that the proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease can accumulate in the retina and damage it. The researchers are hopeful their findings can work to improve treatment methods.
Study lead Dr. Arjuna Ratnayaka explained, “We know that AMD is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors, but this novel discovery could open up new possibilities to understand how the aging retina becomes damaged. Such advances are important if we are to develop better AMD treatments in the future. AMD currently affects more than 600,000 people in the U.K. and 50 million individuals worldwide. This figure is expected rise significantly as our society grows older. We urgently need new treatments to stop people spending their twilight years in blindness.” Continue reading…
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in its early stages may be reversed with laser treatment. Researcher Erica L. Fletcher explained, “It is hoped that this study will provide a basis for the clinical use of the low energy nanosecond laser in those with early stage age-related macular degeneration and that such a treatment will limit the progression of the disease to the advanced, sight-threatening forms.”
The researchers treated patients with AMD in one eye with a single session of nanosecond laser treatment. Participants underwent eye exams every six months for two years after the treatment. Patients were then compared to another group of AMD patients who were untreated. Continue reading…
Age-related macular degeneration risk may be reduced with the Mediterranean diet and caffeine. The latest findings found that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk was lower among those who ate a Mediterranean diet, especially eating lots of fruits. This is the first study to show the protective effects of caffeine against AMD.
Numerous studies have revealed the benefits of the Mediterranean diet in supporting a healthy heart and brain. The researchers then took it a step further to see how the Mediterranean diet may impact the development of AMD among a group of Portuguese people. Continue reading…
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common vision problem affecting people over the age of 40. The macula starts deteriorating over time, affecting one’s vision. You may find that you now need glasses, or that you have to hold text further or closer away from the eyes in order to see it.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in America, and the numbers are expected to rise as the population continues to age. The number of AMD cases is expected to hit 5.44 million by 2050. Continue reading…