All About Macular Degeneration by Kathryn Dawson

Macular degeneration is a very serious condition of the eye. It develops over the years and if left untreated can result in the deterioration of the sight and even blindness. There are treatments available and even natural methods such as following a good diet to help prevent it from occurring. Anyone wishing to know more about the serious condition that is macular degeneration should read this article. Here you will find an explanation of how to prevent it and what to do if you have it.

There are two different types of macular degeneration. The first is know as dry AMD (age-related macular degeneration.) This occurs when the cells in the macular part of the eye that are light sensitive start to deteriorate and break down. The other type of this condition is called wet AMD and this is rarer and caused when the blood vessels in the eye begin to grow abnormally and therefore start to leak. The leaking makes the retina start to pull away from the eye wall which leads to swelling and if left untreated eventual blindness. Either way, when the retina begins to fail the result is blurred vision or seeing straight lines as wavy. It is extremely serious and should not be ignored.

If you have experienced poor sight or blurred vision then it is imperative that you visit the optician or the local eye hospital straight away. They will be able to provide information about the treatments available. If the condition is not very serious and hasn't developed too far then a course of eye drops or other special medication may be enough to prevent the condition from worsening. If however the situation is more serious then laser eye treatment may be appropriate.

Laser eye surgery is an effective way to treat dry AMD. The lasers enable the surgeon to make the necessary improvements to the retina. At the very least the procedure prevents the condition from worsening, but in most cases patients report and overall improvement to their eye sight. The results are instantaneous too and as soon as the brief surgery has been completed, patients are able to see better and more clearly than before. A few days of rest may be necessary for the eyes which means no television or reading or exposure to bright lights, but otherwise there is very little recovery time needed. Often patients return to work the very next day.

With any health related problem, preventative measures should be taken. This means you must promote your overall health with a good diet full of fruit and vegetables and plenty of exercise too. Regular eye check ups are vital too so any problems can be caught early which makes them easier to deal with. Green leafy vegetables are particularly good and full of the right nutrients to help prevent problems with your eyesight. Carrots are also especially good for keeping eyes healthy and strong so it is not a total fallacy that they help you see in the dark!

Macular degeneration is very serious, but the good news is that there is treatment available. Laser eye surgery is simple, quick and recovery is fast. You won't be laid up in bed for weeks on end as with other surgeries. Surgery of this nature is also good for other eye conditions - glaucoma surgery in particular can help sufferers preserve their eyesight. Eye laser surgery should be discussed with your doctor or optician to see if you would be a good candidate for it as it could provide a huge amount of improvement to your overall quality of life. If you are suffering from an eye illness or condition there is no need to suffer in silence.