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Macular degeneration – Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Macular degeneration – Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years.

It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration.

When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull.

Causes
The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration.

AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD.

Dry AMD
The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen. As the drusen increases in size, vision problems arise. Drusen is a characteristic feature of dry AMD.

Wet AMD
Tiny blood vessels form underneath the macula attempt to clear the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, leading to scarring and macular damage. This can lead to serious symptoms like blind spots and distorted vision.

Symptoms

  • Macular degeneration escapes attention, till you experience diminished vision. The primary symptom is blurred central vision.
  • Faces, writing, and images get distorted in the central view.
  • You lose visual acuity. You cannot see the fine details, and it becomes difficult for you to read and drive.
  • Contrast sensitivity is lost. It gets tough to distinguish objects against a background
  • Those suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration, experience symptoms like—hazy vision, blurred text, dull colors, difficulty in identifying faces and the need for more light while reading.
  • For those with wet AMD, the deterioration in central vision worsens. Other symptoms like blind spots, visual distortions and hallucinations also manifest.

Once the symptoms manifest, it’s time to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

Risk Factors
While the triggering cause for AMD is unknown, there are some factors that increase the risk of developing AMD. The family history of AMD and advancing age are the major factors that can increase the risk of suffering from macular degeneration. Other risk factors include—alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight, ethnicity, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease.

New Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration has no cure. The progress of vision deterioration is slow in dry AMD. You can get help in the form of large print books, more lighting and by the use of a magnifying lens. Additionally, a diet rich in Vitamins A, C, and E improves eye health and slows down the rate of progress of dry AMD.

Wet AMD has two treatment options—anti-VEGF medication and laser surgery. Laser surgery destroys the abnormal blood cells, and anti-VEGF medication prevents the new blood vessel growth.

Improved medical research has led to the development of two new surgical techniques to treat wet AMD. These new treatment for Macular Degeneration are better than laser surgery. These are macular translocation and lens implantation. In macular translocation, the macula is repositioned on the eyeball which is free from the abnormal blood vessels.

During lens implantation, the natural lens is removed and replaced by an artificial lens which offers a better central vision.

Another promising therapy that is doing rounds and under clinical trials is—stem cell therapy. Stem cells have the capability to transform into any type of organ cells. These stem cells can be used to create retinal cells and can be transplanted in the eye.

Prevention
While macular degeneration often is caused due to the natural aging process, some preventive measures can help to delay the onset. In case, you find any symptoms of AMD; it’s best to schedule an eye examination.

Quit smoking. Eat a balanced diet that has a lot of leafy greens. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Look at the Amsler’s grid and check your vision every day. The Amsler’s grid is a pattern of straight lines, like in a checkerboard. Gazing at it can help you spot any changes in your vision.

Include supplements that contain zinc and antioxidants. Such supplements are proved to lower the risk of AMD. If you’re 65 years and older, check for AMD, when you visit your eye doctor for a routine eye examination.

An early identification of the symptoms can initiate timely treatment, and help to prevent deterioration in your vision.

Regular eye check-ups are a good way to diagnose any problems concerning the vision.

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5 best contact lenses to buy in 2021

Contact lenses have evolved. Initially, they were meant only for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or some other type of vision impairment. They could do what glasses did, only in a more sophisticated and appealing way. Today, however, contact lenses can be used by anyone to enhance their vision or just for fashion. Regardless, here’s a definitive list featuring the best contact lenses of 2021 that you can buy today. Biotrue ONEday contact lensThis lens by Bausch & Lomb is an excellent choice if you put in long screen hours. It comes with Surface Active Technology that keeps your eyes 98% moisturized for up to 16 hours a day. This prevents itching and reduces the risk of long-term vision loss. Thanks to its unique peri-ballast design, the lens is a great option for patients with astigmatism. Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus contact lensesComfort is a big thing when it comes to contact lenses. The Acuvue Oasys, which was released in 2005, doesn’t just lay great emphasis on comfort but delivers as well. In 20 clinical studies, seven out of 10 patients said that the Acuvue Oasys was the most comfortable contact lens they had ever worn! It works on the patented Hydraclear Plus that makes you feel like you’ve just put the lenses on even after hours. Precision1This lens is made by Alcon, a Geneva-based American-Swiss company. After various studies, Alcon concluded that poor vision, poor comfort, and handling issues trigger users into switching lenses. Precision1 addresses these problems, with nine out of 10 patients in a trial reporting that the lens was comfortable, corrected vision, and was easy to handle. Dailies AquaComfort PlusAnother one of the best contact lenses of 2021 is the Dailies AquaComfort Plus. The AquaComfort PLUS technology used in this lens releases a moisturizing agent every time you blink. It keeps your eyes hydrated, keeps the lens in position, and prevents itching. The lens is made from nelfilcon A (31% polymer) and has a 69% water content. FreshLook One Day ContactsDisposable lenses don’t come any better than the FreshLook One Day Contacts. Like Dailies AquaComfort Plus, this lens also has 69% water content and is made from nelfilcon A (31% polymer). It boasts a three-in-one technology that mixes three colors into one, giving your eyes a natural color. There are multiple color options, enabling you to change it whenever you want.

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Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

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Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle’s highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow’s whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes’ favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia.
02

10 incredible anticipated Black Friday jewelry deals

If you have been meaning to buy that beautiful solitaire ring or those stunning earrings, this Black Friday sale is the best time to do it. It is the time when you can restock your jewelry stash and even find some great gifts and keepsakes. We have sorted through hundreds of 2021 Black Friday deals and found the best ones so that you can keep an eye out for similar offers this year too. 10 expected Black Friday jewelry deals you cannot miss Pearl stud earrings One of the few things that have stood the test of time is pearl jewelry. It is classy, stunning to look at, and represents femininity and strength. Much more than just a trend, pearl necklaces are perfect for women of all ages. Macy’s cultured freshwater earrings are 7mm in 14k gold. These earrings could be available for almost $100 off in the Black Friday sale. Stacked rings One of the latest trends to hit the fashion circles, stacked rings are definitely gorgeous. They make you stand out from the crowd without making you look overdressed. KAY Jewellers might offer almost 70% on selected stacked rings in their range. It could also offer further discounts with an email sign-up.
03

5 different ways to use tablet computers

Tablets are equipped with multiple features that make them suitable for use anywhere, whether at the office, classroom or home. The device is not limited to as an entertainment source. But these should be used in a productive and balanced way to get the maximum use out of them. Are you looking for some ways to use these tablet computers smartly? Read on to know the different and smart ways to utilize a tablet computer. Second monitor One of the best ways to use a tablet computers is to use them as a second monitor. Some users prefer to work on more than two monitors to enhance and optimize productivity and manage their workflow. If you are one of them, this intelligent way is suitable and could be best for you. You can extend your display by connecting it with your computer. It will also save you money as it would work as another screen without the need to buy a new monitor. The screen is also larger and more beneficial than the regular smartphones. Taking notes For better and enhanced productivity, you can use your tablet computer for taking notes. You can write quick notes, prepare tasks and organize your goals with the help of the device.
04

6 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

Buying a new computer can be incredibly expensive, given the significant investment it requires. Also, the amount of choice available in terms of prices and configuration can make the whole process of buying a new device very overwhelming. Shoppers often make mistakes when buying a new computer, especially those who are less tech-savvy. In this article, we’ve listed a few common mistakes you can avoid when buying a new computer. Purchasing a computer that does not meet your needs Before buying a computer, it is important to determine your needs, whether you want to use it for home, work, or gaming. There is no reason to buy a computer with tons of RAM if you are not going to use it for heavy workloads or gaming. Shoppers often spend more money on features that they do not need. Before buying, you must list all the features you need and purchase the best one that meets your needs. Not thinking about other costs If you buy a gaming computer, be aware of what is included in your purchase. Most computer software is accessible on a trial basis, and you would need to pay after the trial period ends. It is best to look for deals where software is included in the price to help save money.

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Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy.
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20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to make a big-ticket furniture purchase, now’s the time, especially if you’re searching for something, like a sofa or mattress. We’ve seen savings of up to 50% in recent years, so browsing the bargains may really help keep prices down, which is crucial, considering the cost of living. Also, remember to bookmark websites that offer information on the current Black Friday furniture bargains. Metal and wood platform bed frame On Amazon, the ZINUS Suzanne 37-inch Metal and Wood Platform Bed Frame could drop to $189 (was $220), a $31 savings. Bathroom vanity Last year, the Lark Manor Burchard 36′′ Single Bathroom Vanity Set was available for $549.99 (down from $724.99). Add this to your shopping list to save $175 at Wayfair. Floor lamp The AllModern Finton 60.25-Inch Tripod Floor Lamp might be available for $149, a 44% reduction. That’s a deal you don’t want to lose on. Queen-sized bed frame Last Black Friday, the Plank Beam PB312-002 Solid Wood Queen-Size Bed in White was on sale for $270.74 (down from $319). On Amazon, that is a 37% discount. Coffee table Cumka Coffee Table Teak Resin 23.6′′ is anticipated to retail at Walmart for $205.60, a 30% discount.
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Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

A fitness tracker will be on many Black Friday shopping lists this year. While it is on November 25, multiple deals are expected to pop up from early September to late October. Whatever your fitness mantra, high-tech fitness trackers can help you achieve your goals. And getting them at a discounted price is the cherry on the cake! Let’s check out some amazing Black Friday fitness tracker deals for the year 2022. Fitbit Versa 3 Continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, support for NFC payments, a microphone for taking phone calls, and Google/Alexa assistance are some of the many incredible features offered by this tracker. Plus, unlike its previous variants, Versa 3 provides a built-in GPS for navigation. During the sale season, you might also find it priced under $200. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitbit Charge 5 delivers many upgrades to cater to your needs. Many online platforms offer it for under $150 for a limited period. Its features, like the bright OLED screen, electrodermal activity sensors, contactless payments, notifications, sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and timers, make it one of the most highly dependable fitness trackers. Garmin FENIX 7 Series A week’s worth of battery, topographical maps, touch screen, military-grade standard, up to 10 ATM water resistance, insightful training guides and programs, solar charging, and astonishing real-time stamina feature are the traits that make the 7 series an absolute hit.
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Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

When you have been diagnosed with a condition such as Crohn’s, it is vital to watch what you consume to avoid triggering or worsening symptoms. Although there is no specific meal plan for patients with this condition, it has been noticed that avoiding a few foods can help to manage the condition more effectively. However, these trigger items can vary from one person to another. Read on to learn about the foods to avoid during Crohn’s flare-up: Dairy products If you have Crohn’s disease, you might be lactose intolerant too. Lactose is a protein found in milk and dairy items such as cheese, and some people find it difficult to digest or process. Hence, consuming these items could trigger the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and lead to bloating, diarrhea, cramping, etc. However, dairy products are a rich source of vitamin D and calcium; if you are avoiding them, you would need to get these nutrients from other food sources. This can include green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals or juices. You might also need to talk to your doctor about taking supplements. Greasy and fried foods People with this condition should avoid items such as French fries and fried chicken.
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10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy.
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Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, gets inflamed. The condition can be chronic or acute and can develop as a result of an underlying respiratory condition or a cold. Certain foods can also trigger the condition and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here are some foods to avoid when diagnosed with bronchitis. Dairy products People suffering from chronic bronchitis need to limit their intake of dairy products. When digested, these items release a compound known as casomorphin, which is known to elevate the amount of phlegm and mucus released by the body. This can lead to severe coughing, which could worsen wheezing and pain in patients suffering from the disease. Instead of dairy products, you can opt for alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Excess salt Excess salt can be extremely harmful to patients suffering from the disease because too much sodium can cause water retention in the body leading to difficulty breathing. To season your food, it is essential to opt for low-sodium salt alternatives, as suggested by a nutritionist, to counteract any harmful effects on the body. It is also essential to keep an eye on labels about the amount of salt present in snacks and processed foods.
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