Macular Degeneration – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and More

Macular Degeneration – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and More

Age-related macular degeneration, also known as macular degeneration, or AMD, is an eye disease that can cause loss of central vision. This occurs when there is damage to the macula. The macula controls straight-ahead vision and is a part of the retina, which lies at the back of the eye. AMD is a common condition, especially in older individuals. Read on to learn more about the types of AMD, symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments.

Types and stages
There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration – wet AMD and dry AMD. Most individuals who have AMD have dry AMD. This is also known as atrophic AMD. With dry AMD, the macula gets thinner as the individual ages leading to a wide range of symptoms. Dry AMD also occurs in three early, intermediate, and late stages. These stages take place slowly and over a long period of time.
Wet AMD, also known as neovascular AMD, is a rare type of AMD. This type of AMD causes the individual to lose their vision quickly compared to dry AMD. Note that dry AMD can also turn into wet AMD at any stage. This type of AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula.

Symptoms
The symptoms of AMD are similar irrespective of the type of AMD that the individual has. But, each individual may experience unique symptoms. Not to mention, some may have severe symptoms while some may experience mild symptoms. Here are some of the common signs of age-related macular degeneration:

  • Distortions in vision, such as the individual seeing straight lines as bent
  • Reduce central vision in one or both eyes
  • Difficulty in recognizing faces
  • Requiring bright light to work or to see clearly
  • Blurriness in words and text
  • Difficulty adapting to low-light situations
  • A bling spot or blurry spot in the field of vision

Both dry and wet AMD can affect one or both eyes. If only one eye has been affected by the condition, you may not be able to notice changes in your vision. This is because the other eye typically makes up and compensates for the eye that is affected. Wet AMD does not typically affect side vision, which is why it does not lead to total blindness. It also leads to a sudden change in vision, whereas dry AMD progresses over the years.
It is important to get your eyesight checked by a healthcare professional if you notice changes in your vision. These changes could include distortion and blindness in your central vision. You should also visit the doctor if you notice that you are having trouble seeing fine details. These are typically the first sign of AMD and can help you detect the condition in the early stages.

Causes and risk factors
There is no exact known cause for AMD. But, research has found that the development of this condition could result from a combination of factors such as family genetics, environmental factors, food, and more. It could also be a result of age, where the macula starts to thin out, leading to the loss of cells that are responsible for eyesight.

Some of the common risk factors that are associated with macular degeneration include:

Age
Age is one of the leading risk factors for macular degeneration. This condition is commonly seen in those over the age of 60.

Race
Certain races are more prone to developing AMD.

Family history and genetics
Studies have found that there is a hereditary component to this condition. Several genes have also been linked with AMD. Studies have also found that if the individual has a family member who has AMD, they are more at risk of developing this condition.

Weight
Research has found that being obese could also increase the chances of developing macular degeneration. It has also linked obesity with an increased chance of the condition developing from early or intermediate stages to severe stages.

Cardiovascular health
Those who have unfavorable heart conditions or blood vessel diseases are at higher risk of developing macular degeneration.

Treatment options
There is no cure for AMD. There is also currently no treatment that can help reverse the damage to the eye done by macular degeneration. The available treatments focus on slowing down the condition and preventing it from progressing. There are many modes of treatment for this condition. These include:

Vitamin supplements
For those with advanced macular degeneration stages, doctors may prescribe antioxidants and vitamin supplements to help reduce vision loss. These supplements can include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. More study is needed to understand if vitamins can help with dry AMD’s early stages. It is important to check with your doctor if vitamin supplements are the right course of treatment for you. Doctors will make the decision based on the symptoms that you are showing and the severity of the condition.

Low vision rehabilitation
AMD typically does not affect your side vision and only your central vision. This is why it does not lead to complete blindness. Those with macular degeneration typically experience low vision over a period of time. This can affect their reading, driving, and recognizing abilities. In such cases, doctors may suggest getting low-vision rehabilitation. This helps you adapt to the changes in your vision.

Telescopic lens
Doctors may also suggest telescopic lenses to those who advanced dry macular degeneration. This is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a telescopic lens in the eye. These lenses help magnify and improve the field of vision. Telescopic lenses may improve both close-up and distant vision but also has a narrow field of view. It is most useful in an urban environment.

Individuals may also try natural remedies and lifestyle changes to improve their vision and prevent vision loss due to macular degeneration.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Quick and Healthy Recipes for a Day

Good health is the result of eating nutritious meals on a timely basis. But planning it in advance can take up extra time and energy. This often leads to one eating leftovers for breakfast and takeaways for dinner. To avoid this, one can try out these simple recipes packed with essential nutrients. The human body lowers its digestive fire as the day progresses. So here are some recipes suitable for each time of day so one can maintain optimal energy levels. Breakfast time Breakfast jumpstarts one’s metabolism in the morning. It is the body’s first source of energy after a prolonged fasting period. So one can opt for high-protein, high-fiber meals to prep for the day ahead. Overnight oatmeal Overnight oats are a versatile breakfast option high in fiber, iron, B vitamins, and zinc. One can simply soak rolled oats overnight in one’s choice of milk, be it dairy, almond, coconut, etc., or even yogurt. Soaking oats overnight helps break down the starch and reduces its phytic acid, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. One can use healthy sweeteners like honey or peanut butter for flavor. One can also choose from various toppings like chopped nuts, berries, bananas, cacao powder, shredded coconut, protein powder, or powdered seed mixes for an extra nutritional boost. Scrambled eggs It is an easy, quick, and wholesome breakfast option. A rich source of proteins, scrambled eggs support building muscle. Having it with wheat or multigrain toast in the morning also keeps one full for a long time as compared to cereals. This helps in controlling hunger pangs. One can add one’s choice of herbs, seasoning, and veggies to the mix, like mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes, etc., to enhance the taste. Avocado toast Another hearty breakfast choice is avocado toast which is also considered beneficial for one’s heart health. Scoop out the avocado and mash it in a bowl. Then, create a smooth spread on a piece of toast and add one’s choice of seasonings like salt and pepper, paprika, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar. Smoothies These concoctions with berries, milk, nuts, and sweeteners form an ideal post-workout breakfast. They are thick, heavy, and nutritious enough to substitute a meal. They are easy to make, saving time and energy. Lunch time Eating lunch boosts one’s blood sugar level, which is needed to maintain high energy levels throughout the rest of the day. Some healthy lunch options are as follows: Burrito bowl A Burrito bowl with rice, a choice of beans and mushrooms or chicken, and topped with salad greens is a highly nutritious and mouth-watering whole meal. Alternatively, quinoa and chickpeas are also healthy grain bowl options for vegans looking for plant-based protein. Tortillas Healthy wraps make an ideal on-to-go meal. Wrap a variety of veggies, parmesan cheese, and mashed chickpeas or potatoes in it. Olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, or garlic can add a zingy taste to it. Serve it with fresh fruits or side salads. Loaded vegetable sandwich Opt for sandwiches loaded with a wide mix of grilled veggies and simple balsamic dressing. Pair them with whole-grain bread containing complex carbs for a healthy and filling meal. Evening snacks One can’t ignore the mid-day or evening cravings, but consuming light snacks is important to ensure one’s dinner appetite is not affected. Fruit bowl Fruits digest quickly and hence, are a good evening snack option. It’s advisable not to mix different types of fruits. Citrus fruits like oranges, water-rich fruits like melons, and fleshy fruits like pears, berries, and bananas can be consumed separately for easy digestion. Juices and blends are also good options. Mashed potatoes This is another tasty recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to make and can be made with just three ingredients, including potatoes, milk, butter, and garlic (optional). Greek yogurt and fruit Yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium, and if topped with seasonal fruits and chia seeds, it can make for a quick, healthy snack alternative. A handful of nuts A small handful of nuts, like almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, etc., are high in protein and healthy fats. They also lower the risk of heart disease and regulate blood sugar levels. Soak nuts overnight to make them easier to digest. Dinner time Dinner is the time when one’s digestive process is low. So, it’s recommended to have simpler and lighter meals at least a couple of hours before bedtime. Here are some ideal dinner options: Pumpkin soup This warm, hearty soup is especially suitable for winter time. It is low in calories and high in vitamins C, A, and potassium, boosting immunity and nourishing skin. Cook diced pumpkin and smash it until it forms a soft purée. Add coconut milk and Thai green curry paste to enhance its flavor. If pumpkin isn’t available, one can substitute it with yellow split pea, cabbage, spinach, or black bean to make one-pot creamy soups. Alternatively, lentils, kale, and chicken stews also pack essential nutrients and are easy-to-digest dinner options. Watermelon cucumber salad Combine feta cheese, cucumber, avocado, and diced watermelon in a bowl and add serrano pepper to spice it up and mint, lemon juice, or basil to pack more flavors. Grilled Steak Salad Broil or grill marinated steak and add spring onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and other veggies to it. Jalapeño, lime juice, salt, pepper, cilantro, and arugula add a zesty flavor to the dish. One can also combine grilled steak or chicken with gluten-free millet and green veggies. Vegans can substitute steak with chickpea or brussels sprouts and add pomegranate or apple to the mix for a sweeter flavor. Chia seed pudding One can beat one’s sweet cravings with chia seed pudding. Soak chia seeds for at least an hour in milk, almond milk, or any other liquid, and top it with chopped nuts and berries. Fruits that are naturally sweet are a great addition to it.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

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Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
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