What Are the Two Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the older generation and is one of the most common eye conditions in elderly people. It damages the yellow, oval macular of the eye (which allows you to see fine details) and can result in a complete loss of central vision. There are two main types of this eye disease, so let's find out more about each ailment.

The 'dry' type

The 'dry' type of age-related macular degeneration occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macular fail to work properly and can greatly affect vision. As the retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) which support the light sensitive photoreceptor cells break down, a loss of central vision can occur. This type of AMD usually develops over many years and tends to affect 80 per cent of those with the condition.

Many patients with the dry type of age-related macular degeneration will find that their vision deteriorates slowly. Symptoms may not be obvious in the early stages but central vision usually gets worse with time. Sufferers can find it hard to read small print or watch TV and might need more light to see objects clearly. As the condition progresses, a blind spot can develop in the middle of each eye, however, peripheral vision is rarely affected.

Both eyes are usually affected at the same time, but it is possible for one eye to be worse than the other, so discuss any abnormalities with your optometrist. An eye care specialist will look out for small, yellowish deposits known as drusen (which are an early sign of this disease) and will refer you to the hospital if they are worried. There is no cure for dry AMD; however, magnifying glasses and electronic devices can help you live your life to the full.

The 'wet' type

The 'wet' type of age-related macular degeneration occurs when new blood vessels on the retina leak very suddenly and can cause severe damage to your eyesight. It's a lot more serious than dry AMD and must be treated as a medical emergency. Always seek help if you experience sudden or gradual loss of your eyesight and don't put up with any pain or discomfort.

Your optometrist will use a special book to look for distortion of your central vision and will examine your retina (a collection of sensitive cells at the back of your eye). If they notice a problem you'll probably be referred to an eye care hospital where you'll receive professional help. Laser treatments can stop the vessels from leaking and innovative new injections can prevent your vision form worsening.

Book an eye test if you're suffering from blurred vision and protect your eyesight for the future.

Penelope Byrd is a freelance copywriter based in the UK. She specialises in medical journalism, in particular eye care. If you believe to be experiencing problems with your vision, visit your local opticians as soon as possible.

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Contact Lenses - Problems, Care, and Types

Contact lenses are magical pieces of plastic kept on the eyes that allow you to see without glasses. It may be used as a substitute for glasses in most of the cases, allowing you to dispense with them. Contact lenses may be used for cosmetic purposes to change the apparent color of your eyes or may also be used to treat certain eyes diseases.You have to consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist, or possibly an optician who will help you to have contact lens.The person who fits the lens must first decide if your eyes are healthy enough to wear the contact lenses or not. If you are fit to wear it then, fitter fits the correct lenses for your eyes and your needs and teaches you how to use and care for them.You should strictly follow the instructions given by the optician to take care of your contact lens because eyes are very sensitive part of your body.The most common reasons for contact-lens wearers to seek care is irritation of the eyes, redness, or blurred vision. These can be caused by the lenses wearing out or warping, a change in the eyes requiring new lenses, poor fitting of the lenses, poor care of the lenses, or sensitivity to solutions. These relatively minor inconveniences must be evaluated because they may signal the onset of corneal ulcers and deeper infection.There are different types of variety of contact lens are available in the market.They are:-

1.Soft Lenses:Soft contact lenses are those that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea and are made up of soft, flexible plastics.Newer soft lens materials include silicone-hydro-gels to provide more oxygen to your eye while you wear your lenses.Soft contact lenses may be easier to adjust to and are more comfortable than rigid gas permeable lenses.

2.Rigid-Gas-Permeable(RGP):Rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP's) generally give a clearer, crisper vision and are more resistant and durable to deposit buildup.They are easier to handle and less likely to tear. However, they are not as comfortable initially as soft contacts and it may take a few weeks to get used to wearing RGP's, compared to several days for soft contacts. They tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens since they last longer than soft contact lenses.

3.Extended Wear Contact Lenses:Extended wear contact lenses are available for overnight wear ranging from one to six nights and then replaced every one to two weeks. Extended wear contact lenses are usually soft contact lenses. They allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea and are made of flexible plastics.Length of continuous wear depends on lens type and your eye care professional's evaluation of your tolerance for overnight wear.There are also a very few rigid gas permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear.

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Several Types of Laser Eye Surgery

Just as there are different conditions that can be treated with laser eye surgery, there are several different forms of laser eye surgery including but not limited to PRK, Lasik, Lasek, Epi-Lasik, PresbyLasik, iLASIK, Custom Wavefront Lasik and IntraLase bladeless Lasik. The most common of these procedures are described below:

Lasik - With Lasik eye surgery, a thin flap is cut and then lifted from the surface of the eye. A laser beam, or energy, is then appropriately applied to the eye for proper reshaping. The thin flap that was first cut and lifted from the eye is then replaced to serve the purpose of a natural bandage that will speed up the healing process from the Lasik surgery. Ultimately, the replaced flap is thicker in size and is usually created with either a special laser or a microkeratome cutting tool. As a general rule, there are three different types of lasers that may be used for the Lasik surgery - wavefront-guided lasers, spot scanner lasers and slit scanning lasers.

PRK - PRK is known as the original laser eye surgery and unlike Lasik eye surgery, PRK does not require a thing flap to be taken from the eye's surface. Instead, the laser beam, or energy, is directly applied to the surface of the eye. The outer layer of the eye, which is very thin and is known as the epithelium, is completely removed from the laser force. Eventually, this ultra-thin outer layer of the eye grows back. This particular eye surgery may be required for individuals who have thin corneas.

Lasek - This particular eye surgery preserves the thin outside layer of the eye by lifting it up from the surface of the eye prior to any laser force being applied to the surface for proper reshaping. The epithelium is replaced onto the eye once the procedure is complete. A trephine is the name of the cutting tool that is used to create the ultra-thin flap used with this particular laser eye surgery.

With Lasik surgery, you won't have to reach for your glasses at your bedside each morning so that you can see clearly. Instead, you'll see sharply as soon as you open your eyes! It will take some getting used to - living your life in complete focus with crystal clear vision - but it will be worth every bit of it!

Discover if this popular procedure is right for you.

Now there's a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide that cuts out the fluff and covers the entire Lasik eye process from pre-surgery consultations to what happens during the actual surgery. Also what to expect after the surgery. http://www.whylasiksurgery.com/

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