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Our eyes allow us to access a lot of precious information - and this is not only what we see, but what our vision can tell usAbout our health. While the eyes take aIncredible amount of data- Think of seven million coastal cells of your retina to detect five hundred shades of a single color - they also send us warning signs on a myriad of conditions ranging fromOur brain health atThyroid problems.

A particular change of vision can report a disease called geographic atrophy (GA). "AG is an advanced form of macular degeneration linked to dry age (AMD), in which critical cells with central vision, such as reading or vision of conduct - atrophy or" die ", because of this complex hereditary disease, "explainsNancy Holekamp, Md,an ophthalmologist At the Pose Vision Institute of Missouri.

Since 42% of patients with GAare legally blind Due to the condition, it is important to know the symptoms, so you can get treatment immediately. Read the rest to discover a particular symptom that you may notice when you read.

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Among people aged 50 and over, age -related macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe sight. The macula is located at the back of the eye. "It is only about 5 mm in diameter, butis responsible For our central vision, most of our color vision and the end detail of what we see, "according to macular society." Macula has a very high concentration of photoreceptor cells - cells that detect light. "These cells then send signals to the brain.

Macular degeneration interferes with this process and is presented in two forms: dry and humid, reportsThe New York Times. "The dry shape is softer and generally has no symptoms, butHe can degenerate In the humid form, which is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eye, potentially causing a vagueness or a loss of vision at the center of the field of vision, "they write. This can affect our vision Many ways, and cause a specific problem when reading.

When GA occurs and parts of the retina atrophy, your vision can change. Dark or blind angles can occur, which leads to difficulties in seeing (especially in low light), a blunt vision or colors that seem washed and less lively. An early symptom of GAoccurs when reading. It may seem that the figures, letters or "one or more words are" missing ", according to the Bright Focus Foundation. This happens because of the cells that have atrophied, which leads to "missing spots" in the vision. Patients can also haveDifficulty seeing (especially in low light), a blunt vision or perceive colors as washed and less lively.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Patients with GA slowly but gradually lose the beautiful vision to read, drive and see the faces of people," said Holekamp. "They have missing spots in their central vision, causing an inability to see the details, but they always keep peripheral vision throughout the disease." In addition, "people with GA are gradually developing but gradually difficult to read," said Holekamp. "In the end, many affected people need more large light impressions, black letters on a blank page, and perhaps a handgrower."

About a million Americans are affected by GA. "Age -related macular degeneration (AMD) isa main cause visual impairment and severe vision loss ", according to an article in theJournal of the American Heart Association. "It represents 8.7% of all blindness in the world and is the most common cause of blindness in developed countries, especially in people over 60 years old."

There is no known cause, but "advanced age and age -related macular degeneration are the two main risk factors to develop GA", explains Holekamp, ​​adding that the 'American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends to people over 50 years oldAnnual eye exams.

"Only an ophthalmologist can diagnose GA, and the diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration can be done during this annual examination," she said. "Make sure you say to your ophthalmologist if you have a family history of age-related macular degeneration because this disease tends to work in families."

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According to avoiding blindness, someadditional factors This can increase your risk for GA includes hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.Heart disease Can also be linked to eye health, as well as to the choice of lifestyle such as tobacco consumption and the maintenance of a healthy diet.

Being proactive on your eye health is important not only to help prevent the GA, but on other conditions, including ulcers, vision disorders and cancer. Take breast breaks, practice healthy contact lenses habits and protect your eyes from the sun are all means to take care of your eyes and reduce your risk factors for disease and other problems.

There are also management options for those who live with GA. "In addition to regular view exams, the disease can also be managed byvisual rehabilitation With the use of important and low vision AIDS 2, "advises Eye See You.

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