The Aging Eye: Macular Degeneration...
Written by Devin Wilson, ND
AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), which is considered to be an incurable eye disease, is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 years, with approximately 3 million Americans being affected.
ARMD is a gradual, painless and irreversible eye condition associated with blurry and disturbed vision. ARMD over time results in reduced ability to safely drive a vehicle, recognize faces, identify numbers, read, and see objects in fine detail.
There are two types of ARMD; the “dry” form which accounts for 90% of all cases, and the ”wet” form, which is more severe with rapid vision loss and poor prognosis.
WHAT CAUSES ARMD?
This particular form of macular degeneration is absolutely related to age, however not all those who are over the age of 50 years old are affected by ARMD. Then what causes it? The specific factors involved with the cause of ARMD include genetics, environment, metabolic health, and other factors such as age, family history, and risk factors such as smoking tobacco, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity. Although numerous risk factors have been identified researchers have yet to identify the single major culprit.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
As the population continues to age, ARMD will affect more and more people. Reducing known risk factors, implementing stress management techniques, participating in frequently physical exercise as well as having a well-balanced, highly nutritious diet plan along with natural supplements are imperative for prevention.
Numerous types of therapies to treat ARMD have been researched. Unfortunately, the conventional treatments are limited and have shown to provide limited beneficial effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and VEGF inhibition are two available treatments used only in the “wet” form of ARMD.
Aside from implementing strategies to reduce associated risk factors, there are few accepted and effective therapies for the treatment of the “dry” form. However, one such therapy that has repeatedly shown significant benefit in dry ARMD is intravenous ozone therapy.
Ozone therapy is a safe and effective therapy that uses medical grade oxygen-ozone gas to treat a wide range of acute and chronic eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Ozone therapy improves oxygen delivery to cells, improves blood circulation, reduces chronic inflammation, and up-regulates the anti-oxidant system.
CONCLUSION
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a gradual, painless and irreversible eye condition that is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 years. As the population continues to age, ARMD will affect more and more people. Reducing known risk factors, implementing stress management techniques, participating in frequently physical exercise as well as having a well-balanced, high nutritious diet plan along with supplements are imperative for prevention.
References:
1. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/848348
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