Top 10 Common Myths About AMD Debunked
A chronic eye condition, macular degeneration (AMD), is commonly seen in people aged 50 years or more. The condition affects patients’ central vision and their ability to see straight. However, their peripheral vision remains unaffected. People often believe that an AMD diagnosis is a road to total blindness. There are, however, treatments that help slow down the progression of the condition. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness and bust common myths surrounding this condition.
Nothing can be done to prevent AMD
Certain factors have been associated with an increased risk of AMD. However, the exact cause of the condition is not yet known. These risk factors include age, family history, light-colored eyes, gender, and light skin tone. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels also contribute to this condition. People that go in for regular checkups have a higher possibility of early detection and treatment. Switching to healthy food and lifestyle habits and maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure and cholesterol levels is an excellent start to preventing AMD.
Everyone with AMD eventually goes cAMD’stely blind
AMD’s primary target is the center of the retina. This is called the macula, which makes up approximately 5% of the total retina and 35% of the field of vision. Even in the worst-case scenario, a patient whose both eyes are affected will only lose part of their vision. They will experience difficulty in recognizing faces, driving, and reading. Their peripheral vision will, however, remain unscathed by AMD. Since AMD affects only a part of the field of vision, some people might even require little to no assistance to maintain an independent lifestyle. Assistive devices like special bioptic glasses, magnifiers, electronic readers, and navigation software can also be used.
AMD is a rare condition
The leading cause of vision loss in people aged above 50 years is age-related macular degeneration. It is said to affect over 10 million people in the country alone. However, it can also be, at times, seen in people as young as 20 years old. It is classified as dry and wet macular degeneration. While dry AMD is more common, on the other hand, wet AMD is considered to be more aggressive and can cause a rapid deterioration in vision.
There is no way to stop its progression
AMD has no cure, nor is there a definitive way of completely stopping its progression. That said, it does not mean certain lifestyle habitswon’ttreatments won’t slow down its progression. It has been noted that adopting a healthier lifestyle, choosing to eat the right foods, and adhering to the expert-recommended treatment plan can significantly impact the speed of progression of the condition. For example, it could mean using sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays, keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check, and having regular appointments with the ophthalmologist.
You can tell if you have AMD
Changes in vision during the initial changes are subtle and hard to detect. In the earlier stages, the condition might be barely noticeable. Therefore, you must go for regular checkups and stay updated about your eye health. One of the common symptoms during the earlier stages is blurry vision or loss of central vision. This means when someone’snt is looking at someone’s face, the nose, lips, and eyes might appear blurry while their hair is clear to view.
AMD has no treatment
For dry macular degeneration, doctors can turn to various options involving antioxidant supplementation and vision rehabilitation to help adjust to deficits. Patients might also be advised to undergo surgical implantation, where a telescopic lepatient’sd to magnify the patient’s field of vision. On the other hand, remedies are used to slow down the progression of wet AMD. Specific treatment options also help preserve existing vision, wherein an early start might also help restore some of the lost vision. Laser therapy and photodynamic therapy are also options that can be employed for the treatment of macular degeneration.
Lifestyle has no impact on AMD
Some of the most common contributiperson’srs that increase a person’s risk of developing AMD are lifestyle related. While there is nothing one can do about factors like age, gender, and family history, lifestyle is where you can increase or decrease your risk for the condition. This could mean wearing sunglasses when out during the day, maintaining healthy activity and blood pressure levels, and eating nutrient-rich meals.
If there is a family history of AMD, you will definitely get it
Hereditary or family history contributes to the development of wet macular degeneration. But it is just a risk factor, not a final verdict. Just because a relative or a family member is or was diagnosed with AMD does not guarantee that you will also have the same eye condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling other risk factors can help lessen your risk and prevent the development of this condition.
People with no family history are at low risk
A hereditary trait can put someone at risk of developing AMD. However, the absence of a family history does not necessarily mean your risk levels are lower. Various risk factors can increase the probability of developing AMD, and frequent exposure to these factors might put you higher up than people with a family history. These factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, food lacking essential nutrients, and exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays.
Reading in dim light worsens AMD
You might have heard your parents and grandparents tell you how reading in dim light will impact your vision. While they meant well, their warning was ill-informed. Your vision is strained only if the light is too low or too bright for comfort. Their suggestion should have been to turn on the light for better visibility. Similarly, low light has no negative impact on AMD, nor does it contribute to the increased risk of developing the condition.
