A progressive, painless disorder affecting the macula. The result is a roughly circular area of blindness that increases in size until it is large enough to obscure 2 or 3 words at reading distance. Macular degeneration does not cause total blindness as vision is retained around the edges of the visual fields. This condition is a common disorder in elderly people.
Of the 2 types of macular degeneration that may occur, one type is usually remedied by laser treatment.
There is no treatment for the other form, although the affected person may benefit from aids such as magnifying instruments.
a group of conditions affecting the *macula lutea of the eye, resulting in a reduction or loss of central vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD, ARMD) is the most common cause of poor vision in the elderly. Two types are commonly recognized. Atrophic (or dry) AMD results from chronic choroidal ischaemia: small blood vessels of the choroid, which lies beneath the retina, become constricted, reducing the blood supply to the macula. This gives rise to degenerative changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE; see retina), clinically recognized by macular pigmentation and the deposition of *drusen. Wet AMD is associated with the growth of abnormal new blood vessels underneath the retina, derived from the choroid (see neovascularization). These can leak fluid and blood beneath the retina, which further reduces the macular function. Nutritional supplements can delay the progression of AMD in some cases. Laser surgery (see photocoagulation; photodynamic therapy) and anti-VEGF therapy (see vascular endothelial growth factor) can delay progression in cases of wet AMD.
As a result of ANAEMIA, interference with blood or nerve supply, or because of the action of various poisons, body cells may undergo abnormal changes accompanied by the appearance in their substance of fat droplets.... fatty degeneration
A deposit and infiltration of fat on the heart in the obese and heavy consumers of alcohol. Distinct from true degeneration in which there is no destruction of tissue. Symptoms. Breathlessness and palpitation on slight exertion. Anginal pain: see ANGINA. Mental dullness. May follow enlargement of the heart and acute infections such as influenza.
Alternatives. Teas. Alfalfa, Clivers, Yarrow, Motherwort.
Tablets/capsules. Poke root, Kelp, Motherwort.
Formula. Equal parts: Bladderwrack, Motherwort, Aniseed, Dandelion. Dose. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons in water thrice daily. Black Cohosh. Introduced into the medical world in 1831 when members of the North American Eclectic School of physicians effectively treated cases of fatty heart.
Diet. Vegetarian protein foods, high-fibre, whole grains, seed sprouts, lecithin, soya products, low-fat yoghurt, plenty of raw fruit and vegetables, unrefined carbohydrates. Oily fish: see entry. Dandelion coffee. Reject: alcohol, coffee, salt, sugar, fried foods, all dairy products except yoghurt.
Supplements. Daily. Broad-spectrum multivitamin including Vitamins A, B-complex, B3, B6, C (with bioflavonoids), E, Selenium. ... heart – fatty degeneration
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