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The presence of drusen, which are tiny yellow deposits in the retina, is one of the most common early signs of age-related macular degeneration. It may mean the eye is at risk for developing more severe age-related macular degeneration. These will be visible to your doctor during an eye exam.
What factor increases the risk for macular degeneration?
Smoking, being overweight overall and around the abdomen, and having unchecked cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure all increase a person’s risk for AMD. Long-term exposure to the sun without eye protection is, similarly, a risk factor. Some risk factors in AMD are not under anyone’s control.
What can mimic macular degeneration?
AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT. Autosomal dominant retinal dystrophies that may masquerade as AMD include cone dystrophy, adult vitelliform dystrophy, pattern dystrophy, North Carolina macular dystrophy, Doyne honeycomb dystrophy and Sorsby macular dystrophy.
Is coffee good for macular degeneration?
A study done at Cornell University showed that an ingredient in coffee called chlorogenic acid (CLA), which is 8 times more concentrated in coffee than caffeine, is a strong antioxidant that may be helpful in warding off degenerative retinal disease like Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Can macular degeneration be stopped?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be stopped or slowed if caught early enough. Regular eye exams are crucial.
Can you be misdiagnosed with macular degeneration?
A number of macular conditions either mimic or share characteristic findings of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These resemblances can result in tough clinical decisions and misdiagnosis. Although genetic testing can be helpful, tests are limited by both their efficacy and accuracy.
How often is macular degeneration misdiagnosed?
A recent study done by Jama Ophthalmology has found that an alarming one in four cases of AMD was overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Is sunlight bad for macular degeneration?
Sun worshippers still have to worry about potential damage to their skin from catching too many rays, but excessive sun exposure and other related factors do not appear to contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration.