With Elder Care in Greenville, SC we face age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, a condition of the eye that occurs most commonly in individuals who are 50 years of age and older.[1] The elder care and senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, explain that this is the most common catalyst of vision impairment in seniors.
AMD essentially causes the deterioration of the macula, which is the component of the eye that allows individuals to see images clearly. Located exactly opposite of the lens, right above the optic nerve, the loss of the macula results in the impairment of the form of vision that is used most often (namely, central vision). There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry is the less severe, but it impacts approximately 90 percent of individuals who have the condition. Wet, though experienced by fewer individuals, leads to vision loss more quickly.
Who Is At Risk?
The older an individual becomes, the higher their risk of developing AMD gets. While AMD affects a diverse mix of the senior population, there are some risk factors that can encourage its emergence. For instance, individuals who smoke are considered to face two times the risk of AMD than those who do not. Additionally, Caucasians are most likely to be impacted by the disease—as well as those individuals who have a family history of AMD.
Is There a Cure?
Currently, there is no cure for AMD. There are, however, treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Seniors who have wet AMD may undergo injections, phyotodynamic therapy, or laser surgery; individuals with dry AMD may be given high-dose supplements of antioxidants, zinc, and other substances by their doctor.
Is Prevention an Option?
While there is no known way to prevent AMD with certainty, there are certain lifestyle habits that an individual can embrace that can reduce their risk of developing the condition. First and foremost, quitting smoking can significantly decrease the odds of developing AMD. Additionally, getting regular exercise, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range, and eating a well-rounded diet that incorporates leafy vegetables and fish can all contribute to the reduced risk of AMD.
Bruce Meyer and the senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville know that AMD can be a very scary condition to elderly individuals who are facing vision impairment. As such, they recommend talking to your elderly loved one and ensuring that they understand exactly what is happening if they suffer from this disease.
Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area. We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.
[1] All information from http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp#1
Who Is At Risk?
The older an individual becomes, the higher their risk of developing AMD gets. While AMD affects a diverse mix of the senior population, there are some risk factors that can encourage its emergence. For instance, individuals who smoke are considered to face two times the risk of AMD than those who do not. Additionally, Caucasians are most likely to be impacted by the disease—as well as those individuals who have a family history of AMD.
Is There a Cure?
Currently, there is no cure for AMD. There are, however, treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Seniors who have wet AMD may undergo injections, phyotodynamic therapy, or laser surgery; individuals with dry AMD may be given high-dose supplements of antioxidants, zinc, and other substances by their doctor.
Is Prevention an Option?
While there is no known way to prevent AMD with certainty, there are certain lifestyle habits that an individual can embrace that can reduce their risk of developing the condition. First and foremost, quitting smoking can significantly decrease the odds of developing AMD. Additionally, getting regular exercise, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range, and eating a well-rounded diet that incorporates leafy vegetables and fish can all contribute to the reduced risk of AMD.
Bruce Meyer and the senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville know that AMD can be a very scary condition to elderly individuals who are facing vision impairment. As such, they recommend talking to your elderly loved one and ensuring that they understand exactly what is happening if they suffer from this disease.
Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area. We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.
Call us today at 864-527-0464 or visit online for a free e-booklet on senior care!
[1] All information from http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp#1
