Instances of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are on the rise as people live longer than they did in previous generations, reported The Times of India recently.
Retina Foundation of Ahmedabad Founder and Chairman Dr. Pran Nagpal was cited in the report as saying at a macular symposium that AMD cases will rise as age expectancies also increase. Dr. Nagpal, an eye surgeon, was one of the speakers at the symposium held in Ahmedabad, India, noted the article.
According to the article, the symposium was put together by the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) situated in Pune, Adityajyot Eye Hospital in Mumbai and the Retina Foundation — under the direction of the Poona Ophthalmological Society and the Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society.
The article cited Dr. Nagpal as saying that AMD happens to be one of the leading causes of vision problems among persons older than 50 years old in developed nations. He added that AMD is also a substantial challenge in developing nations since the number of elderly persons is on pace to increase given improvements at medical facilities and higher life expectancy rates.
Dr. Nagpal said in the article that people with diabetes face a substantial risk of getting AMD down the road, which means that they should take preventative measures. He explained that 60% of those who have had diabetes for over 15 years are likely to ultimately come down with AMD. So those who have been managing their diabetes for a long time should see their doctor for regular checkups, he suggested in the article.
Epidemiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, a study conducted by professionals from the Government Medical College in Chandigarh, the Department of Ophthalmology and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, finds that age is not the only factor to be mindful of as it related to AMD, according to the article. The study finds that short height, body mass index, farsightedness and vital capacity are other factors, explained the article.
The article added that the study also shows that those with peripheral cataracts are more likely to get AMD than were those with central cataracts.
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