The eyes help one perceive different stimuli. Therefore, promptly diagnosing eye-related conditions is essential to ensure eye health. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition involving damage to the macula or a part of the retina situated at the back of the eye. Individuals aged 50 and above are particularly susceptible to this condition. This article discusses a few early warning signs of AMD that one shouldn’t ignore. Early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration In general, age-related macular degeneration is classified as dry and wet. Dry AMD involves gradual thinning of the retina caused by age and is characterized by symptoms like blurred vision and progressive vision loss. Wet AMD, considered a more serious condition than dry AMD, results from irregular growth of blood vessels in the retina, causing accumulation of fluid in the back of the eye. Dry AMD may gradually progress to wet AMD with time, particularly if left untreated. Some early warning signs of AMD are as follows: 1. Blurred vision Since AMD involves blood or fluid leakage from blood vessels into the macula, individuals with this disease may experience blurry vision. 2. Wavy appearance of straight lines Age-related macular degeneration significantly affects one’s central vision, which is indispensable in facilitating the recognition of shapes, lines, colors, etc.

Pain can be extremely relative. Even similar diseases or conditions can affect one in different ways in comparison to others. While some aches can be superficial and curable with a little rest or even just water at times, others may require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to distinguish between these different forms of pain is important. Based on causes and symptoms, one should never ignore the following types of pain: Sharp pain that decreases the range of motion or prevents one from moving Pain emanating from an area of a previous injury or surgery Any pain that is associated with a deformity and severe swelling Aches that do not go away despite several days of care Constant aches and pains that intensify in severity Any pain that involves bruising Severe pain that leads to nausea or vomiting Aches and pains that are accompanied by fever and chills Additionally, one should keep an eye out for specific pains that may develop in specific body parts and warrant a visit to the doctor. These include: Sudden chest pain A sudden feeling of pain, discomfort, or pressure in the center of the chest could be a result of a pulmonary embolism (obstruction of a blood vessel due to a clot), pneumothorax (increased gas or air in the chest cavity), angina (pain caused due inadequate blood flow), or even a heart attack.

Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore. Intense headache pain Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning. Chest pain Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue.