Nearly two million people are affected by macular degeneration and this is the leading cause of blindness for those over 65. One fifth of all 80 year-olds suffer from this age-related disease.. There is a central region of the retina where an image must be recorded which is on a tiny piece of tissue that is only about two millimeters in diameter. When that small piece of tissue dysfunctions, we have macular degeneration.
A test to determine if this is the disease that is robbing a patient of his sight is to inject a fluorescent die into the blood stream. In a normal eye the fluorescent compound is clearly seen within twelve seconds in the fine blood vessels of the retina. But if macular degeneration has begun the tiny vessels remain dark.
With this disease new blood vessels grow, which is also a problem. Laser beams can cauterize these vessels but additional problems can occur. The laser however shows promise in aiding those who have this progressive eye disease. Micro surgical removal of the blood vessels may be possible and another method is to rotate the retina which is complicated and has its own problems to resolve.
We do know this disease, which has the potential to blind its recipient, has some contributing factors. Cigarette smoking and heredity are factors as well as free radical damage.
Of course not smoking again becomes a better health choice. Studies have not been conclusive as to the effect vitamins would have to prevent radical damage. However vitamin E has shown to aid in preventing radical damage in other cells of the body. Vegetables also can be assumed to help although tests of them have been inconclusive.
For more info on macular degeneration, you could consult a health directory.
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