Conditions

​There are different tests to diagnose AMD Ocular examination This is the gold standard for diagnosis, where the ophthalmologist evaluates the retina after dilating the pupils to look for signs of dry or wet AMD or ARMD.   Optical coherence tomography (OCT)  is a very simple and useful test that is frequently employed to confirm the findings and also guide therapy. It provides the clinician an “optical biopsy”, allowing him to understand the structural damage to the individual layers…

Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is most commonly classified as dry or wet form. The dry form passes through early and intermediate stages before reaching the advanced stages. It is characterised by deposition of drusen, which happens due to wear and tear related to ageing and reflects by products of general metabolism of the eye.  These deposits are clinical evidence of damage the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer of the retina, whose primary function is to nourish the…

Symptoms of AMD Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD) frequently involves both eyes. Since the degeneration predominantly involves the central retina also called as macula, the disease can result in significant symptoms. Early or less harming forms of disease result in blurring of vision for both distance and near. As the disease progresses towards stages of atrophy and scarring there can be severe loss of vision, necessitating visual aids. In advanced stages, patients often complain…

Risk Factors of Age-related Macular Degeneration Age is the most important risk factor for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD). The risk increases multiple folds in age above 70 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetic susceptibility and family history. Cardiac illness and hypertension are also considered as important risk factors of Age related Macular Degeneration. Contributed by  Dr Brijesh Takkar CRTP Fellow, IHOPE Consultant Ophthalmologist, Vitreo Retinal…

What Is Age related Macular Degeneration There is a population shift towards older age worldwide, and even in India around 180 million individuals are estimated to be at or above 60 years by 2026. As per the national survey conducted in India, 5% of blindness in the older population is caused by retinal diseases, of which age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is a common cause.   AMD, a condition that affects the central vision of a person, is an acquired cause of retinal…

Heart failure can be avoided by working on lifestyle changes and decreasing your risk factors if any: Regular exercise is a must. 5 days or 150 hours of cardiovascular exercises per week is the recommended goal to stay physically active. Maintain optimal body weight. If you are overweight or obese, lose the excess pounds. Eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish etc. Avoid processed, packaged and preserved foods. Stop smoking and use of other tobacco products to reduce…

Lifestyle modifications – It plays very important role in managing heart failure. Heart failure patients should reduce their salt intake and fluid intake. Quitting smoking and tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise is necessary under guidance of health care provider. Monitoring fluid intake: Patients may need to track their fluid intake and restrict it if necessary to prevent fluid overload. Cardiac rehabilitation – It combines exercise training, education and support to…

What is the treatment of heart failure Various medications are utilized to manage symptoms, improve heart function, and slow disease progression. Medications to regulate water loss - diuretics reduce the congestion and relieve the symptoms of breathlessness. They play a crucial role in managing fluid retention in heart failure. Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are commonly prescribed. Oxygen therapy or use of ventilation therapy (non-invasive ventilation or invasive ventilator support based…

How is Heart Failure diagnosed? Heart failure is diagnosed based upon medical history, a physical examination, and a series of tests. The doctor will take into account the symptoms and risk factors and correlate those with clinical examination findings of heart rate, blood pressure, pressure wave forms of the venous pulse (JVP), chest and cardiac examination and examination of your abdomen and limbs These tests can determine how well your heart is working and cause of heart failure:…