Macular Degeneration

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Video: Macular Degeneration

Video: Macular Degeneration
Video: What is Macular Degeneration? 2024, March
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration
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What is macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a pathological disease that combines various eye diseases, but most often manifests itself with a violation of central vision. At the same time, peripheral vision is preserved.

In most cases macular degeneration is associated with changes over the years that affect the macula. This condition is called age-related macular degeneration. It is a leading cause of blindness in people over 55 years of age. The other type of disease is juvenile, which occurs in young people. It is the result of various genetic changes that lead to macular atrophy.

Forms of macular degeneration

Dry form - gradually necrosis of the photoreceptors located in the area of the macula appears. This leads to blurring of central vision. The most common examination of the fundus reveals yellowish small spots called drusen. An increase in their number leads to an increased risk of developing macular degeneration.

Wet form - in this form of the disease, newly formed small blood vessels are found under the retina, which have vulnerable walls. When they rupture in the retina, bleeding occurs, which disrupts central vision. Vision loss can develop extremely quickly.

Causes of macular degeneration

Advancing age - according to research, 10% of people between the ages of 66 and 74 suffer from this disease. The reasons for this association of the disease with age are due to the changes that occur in the macular area.

Familial burden - if a person has a relative with this disease, the probability of developing it and he increases by as much as 50%.

Genetic defects - these are genetic mutations of two proteins that are essential for the proper functioning of defense systems.

Smoking - this is the only factor in the development of the disease, which is completely scientifically proven. Cigarette smoke increases the risk of macular degeneration twice more.

High cholesterol - Druze is built on the basis of cholesterol in the body. Its increase also increases the number of spots.

Symptoms of macular degeneration

Most often the disease develops slowly and gradually. At first, the symptoms resemble fatigue and the rarely affected person seeks medical attention. Initially, only one eye is affected. Over time, however, the disease affects both eyes. The main symptoms are:

Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration

Blurred vision - Central vision is most often affected. Initially, a person needs more light while reading and writing, it is difficult to adapt to the transition from dark to light. Over time, vision becomes even more damaged and blurred.

Difficulty in color perception - The patient has difficulty distinguishing between different colors, especially having difficulty distinguishing light colors from dark ones.

Other characteristic symptoms are difficulty in recognizing familiar faces, difficulty in distinguishing straight lines, and sometimes hallucinations can occur.

Diagnosis of macular degeneration

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the chances of controlling the symptoms. A universal and painless method used to diagnose the disease is the so-called. Amsler grid. It is a large number of squares, in the center of which is a dark spot. One should only look at this black dot. If, while staring, he feels blurred vision or the features acquire a wavy image, he is most likely suffering from macular degeneration. Additional examinations follow, which include checking visual acuity and fundus.

Treatment of macular degeneration

Treatment of the disease should begin as early as possible to slow down and prevent negative consequences. Different forms of the disease also require a different approach to treatment. As the dry form progresses slowly, treatment may be conservative. It is possible to prescribe antioxidants that reduce free radicals in the body and protect the retina from further damage.

Methods of treating the wet form of the disease include various methods that should reduce the loss of central vision. Injections in the area of the eye are prescribed, which limit the vascular endothelial growth factor (it causes the formation of new blood vessels and increases their fragility).

In some cases of macular degeneration laser therapy is applied, which reduces vision loss in the early stages of the disease. The laser destroys new blood vessels and prevents new ones from forming.

Prevention of macular degeneration

Prevention of the disease includes reducing risk factors. It is recommended to limit fat consumption, monitor cholesterol regularly, quit smoking and maintain normal blood pressure. You should eat lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in valuable antioxidants. Fish is also very useful in the fight against macular degeneration. Regular vision monitoring is the best prevention against the disease.

The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!