Macular degeneration: eye disease that affects the central part of the retina. The importance of early detection and methods of treatment and prevention

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects central vision, affecting people over the age of 50. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina that controls central vision. Despite being partially blind, those with macular degeneration still have peripheral vision, which allows them to see things to the side.

Macular degeneration, a condition that causes vision loss, is expected to affect 288 million people worldwide by 2040. Risk factors for macular degeneration include family history, being overweight, smoking, high blood pressure and a high-fat diet saturated. However, it can also develop at younger ages due to other factors.

Also read: Quercetin, a flavonol known for its anti-inflammatory properties and reducing the risk of cancer. The best natural sources of quercetin

Types

Macular degeneration has two varieties: wet and dry.

Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration

The dry type of macular degeneration affects about 90% of patients. It occurs as drusen, which are microscopic deposits of yellow protein that develop under the macula. Accumulated deposits thin and dry out the macula.

When macular degeneration is dry, vision loss usually occurs gradually. Most people do not lose their central vision completely. The wet form can occasionally make the transition from the dry form.

Wet (exudative) macular degeneration

Abnormal blood vessels can form under your retina and macula, leading to wet (exudative) macular degeneration. Blood and fluids seep from the blood vessels. The tendency of fluids to fester is described as “exudative.”

The accumulation of fluid causes a swelling in the macula. Dark spots may appear in your field of vision. The wet type of macular degeneration affects about 10% of patients. This guy is more serious. Rapid loss of central vision could result from this.

Dry macular degeneration has three stages: early, intermediate and late. Symptoms, such as vision loss, are often not noticeable until late, but eye doctors can detect the signs during an exam. Wet macular degeneration is already advanced.

Photo: Freepik

symptom

The macula is responsible for transmitting images from the eye’s optic nerve to the brain. If the macula is damaged, the brain may have difficulty interpreting these images. Symptoms of macular degeneration may not appear until the disease progresses, according to HopkinsMedicine.

These may include reduced vision in low light, blurred vision, color changes, blurred vision, curved or wavy lines, and dark spots in the field of vision. It is essential to consult an ophthalmologist if these symptoms persist.

Treatment

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that cannot be cured, but early treatment can slow progression and reduce symptoms. Treatments include nutritional supplements, medications, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser therapy.

Nutritional supplements, such as AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Studies) supplements, contain vitamins and minerals that slow the progression of dry AMD. However, beta-carotene, a key antioxidant, may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

Medications for wet DMLV include injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, which blocks the production of VEGF, a protein that makes new blood vessels. These injections can sometimes improve vision.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a light-sensitive injectable drug and a laser to destroy extra blood vessels in the eye. This treatment can be combined with anti-VEGF injections. Laser photocoagulation, the first treatment for wet AMD, seals and destroys leaky blood vessels.

However, these treatments carry risks, including eye infections, retinal detachment, structural damage to the eye, faster development of cataracts, and severe vision loss. The use of laser photocoagulation and PDT has declined due to the development of anti-VEGF injections.

To reduce your risk of macular degeneration, quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, stay active, control your blood pressure and cholesterol, and consider adopting the Mediterranean diet.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting daily tasks. Dry macular degeneration is the most common form, while wet macular degeneration can cause rapid loss and legal blindness. Treatments such as nutritional supplements can slow the disease, while glasses or magnifying devices can help preserve vision. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist for information about supportive services and treatments.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow DCMedical on Google News as well

Did this article help you?

Follow the DCMedical Facebook page and the DCMedical Health Dose Instagram page and access more useful content for your health, disease prevention and treatment, first aid measures and useful advice from doctors and patients.