Age-related macular disease (AMD) is a gradual loss of vision in older adults. It’s a common cause of blindness and often requires surgery.

New research has shed light on the treatment possibilities of AMD, however. It’s believed that AMD is caused by small deposits of cholesterol. Drops and injections containing anti-cholesterol medications are being tested and showing to be helpful in slowing down the vision loss associated with AMD.

Anti-cholesterol medicines (statins) may be used in the near future to prevent blindness.  Much like heart, the eyes rely on healthy arteries, blood vessels, and veins. When they become blocked by cholesterol deposits, either from a poor diet or heredity, it limits the amount of blood and oxygen that can pass through. And much like having a heart attack, once those passages are clogged, it causes a host of problems.

Heart disease is often treated with cholesterol reducing medications known as statins. Th problem with these cholesterol-reducing drugs is that they carry a risk for side effects, such as:

• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• High blood pressure
• Liver damage
• High blood sugar
• Confusion and memory loss

The good thing about the anti-cholesterol drugs to prevent blindness and reduce AMD is that they have fewer side effects than their oral counterparts. The medicine is targeted specifically to treat the tiny vessels in the eye.

Only time will tell if this new treatment method will be offered as a treatment option for AMD in place of surgery.

Cataract is defined by cloudy vision that is common in older adults. The vision blockages worsen over time and can lead to blindness. The most common treatment for cataract is surgery, which caries some risk and side effects. Aside from traditional medicine, however, there are some other options for treating the condition.

The following vitamins, supplements, and natural remedies support healthy eye function and either reduce the risk of getting cataract or slow it’s progression: 

• Pink bark extract is an antioxidant with vein support that helps by improving blood flow to the eye.
• The antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E kill free radicals that can cause damage to the eye.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in spinach, as well as yellow and orange colored fruits and vegetables. They reduce the risk of cataract.
• The flavonoids in berries and basically any red or purple fruits act in the same way as antioxidants.
• Likewise, Bilberry is high in antocyandins. They strengthen veins and blood vessels. They also fight free radicals.
• Ginkgo biloba carries oxygen to the eye and helps cleanse toxins.
• Grape seed extract also prevents the progression of cataracts.

Aside from these items, the best thing to manage cataract is to make lifestyle changes. Avoid smoking and a high fat diet. Pay closer attention to the nutritional value in the foods you eat and make sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables to get a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Cataracts is an eye disease that is common among elderly people. It is when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens is the clear outer part of the eye and once it becomes cloudy it impairs the ability to let light in and focus. Images become blurry. In addition to the cloudy spots, some people experience a blown or yellow tint to everything because their natural lens has stained over time.

Causes of cataracts vary. What happens is that the proteins on the lens, which are designed to allow light it, get stuck together and form clouds that block vision and prevent light from getting in. This can occur because of:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Trauma
• Sun exposure
• Radiation
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption

Symptoms of cataracts are blurry or faded vision, halos, double vision, and compromised night vision. It’s vital to see an eye doctor immediately if these symptoms occur. The easiest fix for the problem is to update or start wearing glasses or contact lenses.

The other treatment option, of course, is surgery. The original lens is simply replaced with an artificial one to restore vision. Recent changes in technology make eye surgery a common and low risk option. The rate of vision recovery is very high and though the surgery does come with risks, they are minimal.

Cataracts isn’t a given with aging. Preventative methods can preserve your lens so it holds up over time. This includes simple things like consuming antioxidants and wearing sun glasses to avoid overexposure.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is known as a disease that affects the elderly. A damaged retina is a major cause of vision loss in people over 50. The macula is the center of the retina. When it is clouded with cellular debris, the retina becomes detached and the blood vessels are damaged.

The first symptom of AMD is yellow spotting. Even though it doesn’t usually cause blindness on it’s own, it can lead to poor vision. As it advances, the following symptoms may also occur:

• Color changes
• Vision loss
• Impaired side vision
• Shadows
• Trouble going from extreme difference in light and dark environments
• Less contrast
• Wavy images

Though aging is the main cause of AMD, there are other risk factors that can determine who will be affected by it:

• Genetics
• Race
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High fat diet
• Stress
• Sun exposure
• Smoking

The most popular treatment method for AMD is the use of FDA approved antiangiogenic drugs. Taking supplements and making lifestyle changes can also help. Lutien and omega-3 fatty acids are helpful, as well as following a heart-healthy diet with less fat and more fish. Furthermore, losing weight and stop smoking can reduce risk factors.

Some simple adjustments can make living with AMD bearable. Getting regular eye exams and updating glasses or contacts can help. As for everyday living, try using a bright light for detailed work, large-print or audio books, a larger computer font, and using a magnifier.

If you have dry eyes you are not alone. In fact, this is a medical condition that plagues millions of people throughout the world. But just because others are dealing with the problem doesn’t mean it any easier on you.

Simply put, dry eyes occur when your tears are unable to provide enough moisture. Subsequently, you begin to get the feeling that your eyes are dry which can lead to discomfort, redness, and scratching.

Many people only experience dry eyes as a result of particular conditions, such as an air conditioned roomed or while staring at a computer screen for an extended period of time.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this eye condition. For example, you can use artificial tears when the problem becomes too much for you to handle. Along with this, you may be able to change your lifestyle to protect against this problem.

While not typically the case, if you have a serious case of dry eyes your optometrist may suggest surgery. This is a last resort, but is definitely worth discussing with your doctor should the problem become unbearable.

If you have been unable to cure your dry eyes on your own, schedule an appointment with your optometrist. This will allow you to discuss the problem with a knowledgeable professional, and hopefully receive the treatment you have been looking for.

Dry eyes is a common problem with several potential solutions. Take the time to address this concern in the near future. The right treatment could greatly improve your life.