Quiz - Eye Generation
If your retina is the camera of your eye, then your macula is what makes it Hi-Def. This oval-shaped pigmented area in the center of the retina, when working properly, is what allows us to see colors boldly and to view objects and faces with high acuity. Like many parts of the body, the macula can be negatively affected as a person gets older, leading to age-related macular degeneration. Take our quiz to learn more:
1. The typical symptom of (AMD) is ____.
A. Blurry vision
B. Straight lines looking wavy
C. Some objects appearing smaller or with paler colors than normal
D. Blind spot in the center of your vision
E. All of the above
2. There are two types of AMD—dry and wet.
A. True
B. False
3. People are at the greatest risk for AMD once they reach the age of ___.
A. 50
B. 55
C. 60
D. 65
4. Smokers are more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers.
A. True
B. False
5. One way to help prevent AMD is to eat _____.
A. Baked chicken, turkey, or quail
B. Whole-wheat bread
C. Shrimp
D. Green leafy vegetables
6. AMD leads to total blindness
A. True
B. False
Answers:
1. E. All of the above. This variety means that symptoms can be a little different for each person. A common early sign of AMD is tiny yellow deposits in the retina, which can be detected during an eye exam.
2. A. True. Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels under the retina leak fluid and blood. It can happen quickly and cause severe eyesight loss. Dry AMD is more common and much slower. Light-sensitive cells in the eye break down, but a person may not notice symptoms of dry AMD for years.
3. C. 60. But although the risk is greatest at 60 or older, AMD can occur during middle age.
4. A. True. Smoking, along with family history of AMD, high blood pressure or obesity, is a risk factor besides age that can cause this condition.
5. D. Green leafy vegetables. A low-fat, healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits can help prevent AMD, particularly leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and collards.
6. B. False. AMD can cause severe eyesight loss, but only the center of vision is affected. Most people retain their peripheral vision. Still, without an effort made to slow the disease’s progression, AMD can make is hard for a person to read, drive, or do other daily activities.
Source: The Health Library at www.sjchs.org.