Defining Age Related Macular Degeneration - ARMD

Age Related Macular Degeneration, ARMD is aThese deposits collect under the retina or on the
disease that strikes most people who are overoptic nerve itself. When they are present, it is a
the age of 50. It comes on silently and often thestrong indication that the person is developing
early symptoms are well disguised. Many peoplemacular degeneration. They may be present
have the disease and don't even know it until it isunder the retina but may remain dormant for
diagnosed by their Ophthalmologist. It usuallymany years and not affect vision until much later.
starts out as minor vision loss in the central visionIf drusen is found in other areas of the eye,
field, with some areas of blurriness and blind spots.there is generally no vision impairment.
The macula is the central part of the retina andNot everyone is at risk for developing ARMD but
the disease slowly destroys this area of the eye.there are some telltale signs to watch for. Age,
After the retina is damaged by ARMD, it isof course, is the number one indicator that a
impossible for a person to see clearly. The retinaperson is at risk. Middle-aged individuals often start
is where light waves are transmitted to the brainhaving blurred vision and blind spots in their central
through electrical impulses. If these impulses arevision and this is one of the first symptoms of
compromised in any way, images become blurredthe disease. Females are more prone to ARMD
and distorted. Total blindness rarely occurs withand people who have family members with ARMD
ARMD because peripheral vision is not affected.are more likely to get it. Smoking puts a person in
However, central vision is damaged and detailthe high risk category as do high levels of
work, reading and driving a vehicle become verycholesterol. Other risks for Age Related Macular
difficult.Degeneration ARMD are too much time in the sun
When a person initially gets ARMD, there areand high blood pressure.
yellow deposits called drusen present in the eye.