Firstly let’s try to give you an understanding of what AMD is? The macula is a small area at the very centre of the retina. Sometimes the delicate cells of the macula become damaged and stop working, and there are many different conditions which can cause this. If it occurs later in life, it is called “age-related macular degeneration”, also often known as AMD.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of macular degeneration or AMD, usually referred to as “wet” and “dry”. This is not a description of what the eye feels like but what the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can see when looking at the macula.
“Dry” AMD is the most common form of the condition. It develops very slowly causing gradual loss of central vision. Many people find that vision slowly deteriorates by gradual central blurring, and that the colours fade away like the colours fading in an old photograph. There is no medical treatment for this type. However, aids such as magnifiers can be helpful with reading and other small detailed tasks.
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Posted 2 years, 1 month ago at 9:19 am. 3 comments
Although medical science has not yet found the exact cause of headaches, some of the most common causes can typically be blamed in the majority of cases. Headaches are broken down into three basic categories. A primary headache occurs to millions on a daily basis. Primary headaches are what the majority of headaches can be diagnosed as, and are almost never life threatening. Despite this frequency of occurrence and a lack of life threatening danger, the primary headache can be very uncomfortable. Cluster headaches are a much rarer and far more painful variety, that although not life threatening, can bring about serious pain. Secondary headaches are sometimes a sign of a deeper neurological issue.
Most primary headaches are related to tension. The muscles that surround the skull are triggered to contract, causing a painful amount of cranial pressure. This can cause a severe amount of pain. Although the reasons for skull muscle contraction are difficult to ascertain, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress. Significant emotional stress typically results in a contraction of the muscles, and therefore a tension related headache. Prolonged physical stress, such as extended manual labour, is also known to cause tension headaches. Migrane could be considered a primary headache, severe for many and with differing symptoms. There is no one cause for a migrane as it effects different people in different ways with different levels of pain. However, tension, tightening of neck and shoulder muscles causing cranial pain are a symptom.
Cluster headaches are a far rare occurrence, and typically only occur in a small portion of the population. Sufferers usually experience cluster headaches only for a small window of time, thus the name “cluster” headache. This can make prevention and treatment difficult. When a cluster headache occurs, it can be accompanied by severe pain that focuses behind the eyes. Water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches. Treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control.
Secondary headaches usually represent a more serious issue. This is much rarer than primary headaches. A secondary headache can signify a deeper neurological issue at work. Headaches that occur on a chronic basis should be cause for a check with the doctor. Secondary headaches can be quite painful, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensory phenomenon.
Posted 2 years, 3 months ago at 3:14 pm. Add a comment
