Simple Tips to Help Prevent Age-related Macular Degeneration

Simple Tips to Help Prevent Age-related Macular Degeneration

Our eyes have two types of vision: central and peripheral. Central vision helps a person see what’s directly ahead. What ensures a clear and sharp central vision is an area of the retina (the lining in the back of an eye) called the macula. Macular degeneration is a condition that hampers one’s central vision due to abnormalities in the macula. Since it usually develops when a person ages, it’s commonly called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

What are the signs and causes of age-related macular degeneration?
Before discussing the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, let us take a quick look at its signs and causes. Typically, this eye disease causes blurriness while reading, driving, or watching TV. Patients may also need brighter light when reading or doing close-up work as they find it increasingly difficult to adapt to low-light or dimly-lit areas. Further, individuals may notice black spots and visual distortions (straight lines appearing wavy). These signs make diagnosing the problem easier for an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Age-related macular degeneration is among the leading causes of poor vision in the country and is common among those aged 50 and above. Its exact cause is unknown, but the chances are higher in individuals who have a family history of the disorder, follow an unhealthy lifestyle, have heart disease or high blood pressure, and live in places exposed to excessive ultraviolet light.

How to prevent age-related macular degeneration?
Not everyone with the condition has a danger of losing sight, especially if they take appropriate preventive measures. The following lifestyle changes can help in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration:

Eat healthy foods
Some foods have eye-healthy nutrients and should be added to the meal plan. Fatty fish is the best example. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can protect against and even reverse eye damage. Nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and cashews, are also healthy as they have high levels of vitamin E. Further, seeds like chia, flax, and hemp contain high omega-3 and vitamin E, protecting the eyes from age-related damage. Finally, fresh citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and leafy vegetables like spinach and kale should not be skipped. These are full of vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the eyes from age-related damage and improve overall eye health.

Drink sufficient water
There’s simply no substitute for this life-giving fluid. Drinking lots of water ensures the eyes are moist and healthy. Sufficient lubrication of the eyes, in turn, prevents the accumulation of bacteria and dust particles. Experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. Besides helping with the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, water can keep other eye disorders, such as dry eyes, at bay.

Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and red meat
While some foods help manage the condition, others can worsen it. For the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, one must strictly avoid processed foods containing trans fats and red meat like pork, beef, and lamb that are high in saturated fats. They can clog the heart’s blood vessels and affect the tiny blood vessels of the eyes. Similarly, sugary foods must be kept off the menu as they promote inflammation. This includes soda, candy, and baked goods made from refined flour.

Wear sunglasses
Exposing the eyes to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the retina, increasing the risk of this disorder. A simple practice of wearing sunglasses before walking into bright light can go a long way in protecting the eyes. However, buying the right sunglasses that block maximum UV rays is vital.

Be physically active
Studies show that moderate physical activity can increase blood flow to the optic nerve and the retina, maintaining good eye health. Eye exercises like palming, blinking, and zooming also help. One can consult a doctor to learn to perform the exercises correctly for the best results.

Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
Unregulated blood pressure and cholesterol levels affect small blood vessels running through the eyes. It can weaken and thin the delicate eye blood vessels, impair vision, and result in eye disorders or permanent blindness. Keeping these levels at a healthy range can help in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

Go for regular eye check-ups
It’s advisable to see a vision specialist once a year and get the eyes checked, especially after 40. This will give an early indication in case of developing AMD, and the experts can recommend instant remedies to prevent it from worsening. If a diagnosis is confirmed, the expert may provide suitable magnifiers and lights to help make the best of one’s remaining vision. They can also advise on any surgery that can nip the disease at an early stage.

How long does it take for the disorder to progress to blindness?
It takes around ten years from diagnosis for a person to become legally blind. But some types of this condition can result in vision loss within days. As a result, if symptoms start to manifest, it’s advised to contact vision specialists at once. However, not everyone who shows early signs will develop advanced age-related macular degeneration or become blind. Most patients can maintain decent vision for the duration of their lives with expert guidance and lifestyle changes.

What are the types of age-related macular degeneration?
The two main types are as follows:

Dry AMD
The condition develops when the macula gets thinner with age. It appears gradually over several years, usually in three stages: early, intermediate, and late. Late dry AMD has no known cure, but one can protect and preserve their remaining vision.

Wet AMD
It’s less common than dry AMD but causes vision loss rapidly. Wet AMD is always a late stage. Here, the macula gets damaged because of abnormal development in blood vessels in the back of an eye. But unlike dry AMD, this one can be treated.

Dry AMD, at any point, can progress to wet AMD and cause permanent vision loss. So it’s advisable to take steps to prevent further damage.

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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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Atopic Dermatitis – Symptoms, Triggers, and Management

When the skin starts to itch and leave red scars on the face, legs, and arms, one has atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. While the exact cause of this skin condition is unknown, one of the contributing factors may be the overproduction of cells in the immune system. Avoiding triggers and lifestyle changes may help ease the discomfort. Here are a few essential aspects to know about atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis Various internal and physical factors can trigger a flare-up of atopic dermatitis, resulting in an itching sensation that does not seem to relent. Scratching may temporarily relieve discomfort but causes more complications, such as inflammation and skin infections. The primary symptom of this condition is dry and itchy skin that turns red, but several other concerning signs may show up, including Dry and scaly skin Rashes on the face and neck Rashes that release fluid Darkening of the skin around the eyes Cracked skin that bleeds Swollen discolored skin Triggers of Atopic Dermatitis Inflammation resulting from a misdirected immune system reaction is often seen in those with atopic dermatitis. Such a condition also creates an altered barrier that makes the skin highly susceptible to dryness and infection. The flare-ups can be the result of common lifestyle and environmental triggers like Mold and pollen Strong soaps and detergents Makeup products and perfume Dry air Low humidity Stress Smog Animal dander Dust Sand Strenuous exercise Synthetic material and wool Heat Scratches Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis does not yet have a cure, but the right treatment method may help decrease the discomfort caused by the symptoms and can also help reduce the risk of skin infections. Hence, it is incredibly important to take the advice of a healthcare expert and plan out a treatment regime that works best. Some of the treatment options to help manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis include Usage of ointments Various ointments and skin creams are available to help ease the irritation of the skin and help it remain hydrated. Home remedies Regularly moisturizing the skin is the best way to keep the skin from drying up. This step helps keep the skin hydrated and creates a protective layer over the skin to trap moisture. Changes in lifestyle As atopic dermatitis flare-ups are the effects of triggers, it is of utmost importance to steer clear of these triggers and accommodate changes that help ease the discomfort. Brief baths, gently patting skin to dry, and choosing fragrance-free products will greatly help. Phototherapy Most people suffering from eczema often find ultraviolet light therapy beneficial. This treatment includes shining a UVB light in controlled doses over the affected areas to reduce inflammation and itchiness. It also helps the body create Vitamin D to fight infections and bacteria. Wet Dressings The application of wet dressings, better known as wet-wrap therapy, helps improve the symptoms of eczema, as it provides the skin with moisture and prevents it from becoming dry and scaly. Tips for Managing Atopic Dermatitis While relieving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis is extremely difficult, these issues can easily be managed with the help of extra care. Here are a few easy-to-do tips to ease the discomfort of atopic dermatitis that are immensely helpful to the patients: Shower with lukewarm water A short shower, approximately 5 to 10 minutes in lukewarm water, ensures the skin remains hydrated. A hot-water shower may dry and irritate the skin; it is suggested to take a shower in lukewarm water that does not cause any irritation to the skin. Wear 100% cotton clothes Synthetic materials and wool are known triggers of atopic dermatitis. Hence, the patients should wear only 100% cotton clothes that let their skin breathe. Also, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes that might add to the discomfort of the skin. Test Skincare Products Before Use In addition to fragrance in skincare products, the other ingredients of multiple skincare products may cause the skin to become irritated. This can either lead to a flare-up or worsen the present skin condition. So, always test the products by applying them to a small skin area and leave them there for 24 hours to check for any reactions. Protect the Skin from Extreme Temperatures Extreme temperatures such as those above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and below zero might cause the skin to dry up, and this issue can lead to a flare-up and cause a lot of discomfort to the patient. One is also advised to steer clear of extreme heat, as too much sweat can irritate the skin. Choose Fragrance-free Products The fragrance added to soaps, detergents, and other products is one of the triggers of an AD flare-up. This can be avoided by using products that are labeled as fragrance-free. Additionally, avoid unscented products as the fragrance in these products is masked. Even though there is no smell, its fragrance will still trigger flare-ups. Apply Coconut Oil Applying virgin cold pressed coconut oil on the affected skin can help moisturize the area and protect it from contracting bacteria to avoid skin infections. Practice Meditation and Breathing Exercises Atopic dermatitis flares up and is mainly triggered by stress. In such a situation, the patient can try practicing meditation and breathing exercises to ease their stress and calm their nerves. This can be done either with the help of meditation music or by just practicing breathing exercises. Don't Scratch and Rub the Skin Those with atopic dermatitis are often susceptible to itching. If the affected area begins to itch during a flare-up, it is advised to moisturize it instead of scratching or rubbing against the skin. This might develop not only an itch-scratch cycle but also increase the severity of the rashes.

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