Macular Degeneration Articles A-Z

Causes of Macular Degeneration

As this eMedTV article explains, the causes of macular degeneration aren't known. However, risk factors for the condition include age, smoking, and family history. This article explains the condition and discusses these risk factors in general.

Diagnosing Macular Degeneration

When diagnosing macular degeneration, an eye care provider performs certain tests, including tonometry. As this eMedTV page explains, the provider will also ask about the patient's medical history. This page discusses macular degeneration diagnosis.

Does Grape Seed Extract Work?

There is little evidence to show that grape seed extract really works. This page of the eMedTV site explores the effectiveness of this supplement for various uses, including the treatment of poor circulation, and stresses the need for more research.

Drusen and Vision Loss

In most cases, drusen (yellow deposits under the retina) do not cause vision loss by themselves. This eMedTV article explains, however, that there is a connection between drusen, vision loss, and macular degeneration.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is an eye condition in which the light-sensitive cells in the retina break down. This eMedTV article explains how this can lead to a loss of central vision. This Web page offers an in-depth look at this condition.

Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment

Dry macular degeneration treatment options include early treatment with antioxidants and zinc. This eMedTV article discusses these treatment options and explains how there is no treatment available for the advanced stage of dry macular degeneration.

Generic Lucentis

Since Lucentis is a "biologic" medication, it is not available in generic form. This eMedTV page explains why generic Lucentis products are not allowed to be manufactured and discusses whether current laws on biologics will be changed in the future.

Generic Macugen

Generic Macugen products are not expected to become available until June 2010, at the earliest. This eMedTV page further discusses when generic Macugen may be available and explains the difference between a drug's "generic name" and its generic form.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is used medicinally for several conditions, many related to the heart and blood vessels. This eMedTV article explains how the supplement works, explores its effectiveness, lists potential side effects, and more.

Grape Seed Extract and Breastfeeding

No research has been done to see if grape seed extract is safe for breastfeeding women or their infants. This eMedTV page offers more details on grape seed extract and breastfeeding, and further explores the safety (and effectiveness) of this product.

Grape Seed Extract and Pregnancy

It is not known if grape seed extract is safe for use during pregnancy. This page from the eMedTV site offers a more in-depth look at grape seed extract and pregnancy, including information on why "natural" products may not be safe for pregnant women.

Grape Seed Extract Dosage

A safe, effective grape seed extract dosage has not been established at this time. This eMedTV page discusses reasonable dosing for this supplement, including information on what doses were used in clinical trials and how to find a reliable product.

Grape Seed Extract Drug Interactions

Grape seed extract can theoretically interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. This eMedTV page lists various "blood thinners" that may cause grape seed extract drug interactions and explores the potential dangers of these interactions.

Grape Seed Extract Information

This eMedTV Web presentation discusses grape seed extract. Information includes what it is used for (and whether it works), safety, side effects, warnings, dosing, and precautions.

Grape Seed Extract Overdose

A grape seed extract overdose could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. This eMedTV Web page describes other theoretical problems that may occur with an overdose of this supplement and explores possible treatment options.

Grape Seed Extract Side Effects

Cough, nausea, and headaches are possibly bothersome (but usually mild) grape seed extract side effects. This eMedTV segment lists some of the more significant side effects of grape seed extract that may require immediate medical attention.