Macular degeneration is a condition which affects the macula, the part of the eye that provides us with clear central vision. As we grow, its function loses its abilities, causing macular degeneration, also known as AMD.
It is a fairly common ailment from the age of sixty onwards and can occur at various levels, sometimes it is imperceptible. On the contrary, it can also be developed in a much more virulent way, causing a total and progressive loss of central sight. There are two types of AMD; wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration.
Early diagnosis is key to starting a treatment as soon as possible. If macular degeneration is not treated quickly, the prognosis can be poor.
Macular degeneration does not cause pain, but may present a number of visual symptoms that the patient should recognise:
When the disease is in a more advanced stage, a black spot can be seen in the central area of vision, which gets darker and larger as the condition progresses.
A complete diagnosis is usually made with:
Macular degeneration is related to ageing. Although age-related macular degeneration can occur in middle-aged people, studies indicate that people over the age of sixty are at a higher risk. Other risk factors include:
Whilst it cannot be prevented, once macular degeneration is diagnosed, it is important to regularly and closely monitor patients so that the condition's progress can be observed and treatment applied.
Although there is no definitive treatment to repair the effects of age-related macular degeneration, early diagnosis is important to slow its progression. It has also been shown that consumption of antioxidant vitamins and zinc amongst others may contribute to the reduction of advanced macular degeneration (dry macular degeneration) and associated vision loss.
The treatment available for wet macular degeneration is given by injections into the eye with new medications, such as vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist therapy (VEGF).
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for dry macular degeneration but vision aids can help patients to manage their condition and reduce its impact on daily life. Small modifications at home, such as increasing the brightness of lighting and using applications that can make phones and other types of technology easier to use can be helpful. In addition, some patients may benefit from eccentric viewing training, a technique which helps to make the most of the level of vision that you have, albeit reduced.
Ophthalmologists help to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases that affect patient's eyes and visual capacity, including macular degeneration.
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