Macular Degeneration – Types, Symptoms, Treatments and More

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), causes loss of central vision in both eyes. While juvenile macular degeneration usually affects people over the age of 50, rare forms of juvenile macular degeneration also occur in younger people. People with AMD are unable to focus on objects directly in front of them, making it difficult to read and recognize faces. The course of treatment may vary depending on the type of AMD diagnosed and the severity of the symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown. The disease develops as we age. In older people, problems develop in the macula (the central point of the retina), leading to age-related macular degeneration.

AMD can develop into either wet or dry AMD.

Dry AMD

The macula has light-sensitive cells, which gradually break down as we age. As the number of light-sensitive cells decreases, central vision also deteriorates. Waste products accumulate in the retina and form small deposits called drusen. As drusen grow larger, vision problems develop. Drusen are a characteristic feature of dry AMD.

Wet AMD

Tiny blood vessels form under the macula in an attempt to remove the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, resulting in scarring and damage to the macula. This can cause severe symptoms such as blind spots and distorted vision.

Symptoms

• With macular degeneration, people notice how much their vision has decreased. The main symptom is blurry central vision.
• Faces, text, and images in the central field of vision are distorted.
• You lose vision. You can no longer see details, and you find it difficult to read or drive.
• Contrast sensitivity is lost. It becomes difficult to distinguish objects against the background.
• People with dry age-related macular degeneration experience symptoms such as blurred vision, fuzzy text, dull colors, difficulty recognizing faces, and needing more light to read.
• People with wet AMD experience worsening central vision.
• Other symptoms such as blind spots, distorted vision, and hallucinations can also occur.

Once symptoms develop, it's time to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

Risk Factors

Although the trigger for AMD is unknown, there are some factors that increase your risk of developing AMD. Family history of AMD and increasing age are the main factors that increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. Other risk factors include alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive sun exposure, race, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

New Treatments for Macular Degeneration

There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration. In dry AMD, the deterioration of vision progresses slowly. You can get help in the form of books with large print, better lighting, and the use of magnifiers. In addition, a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E can improve eye health and slow the progression of dry AMD.

There are two treatment options for wet AMD: anti-VEGF drugs and laser surgery. Laser surgery destroys abnormal blood cells, while anti-VEGF drugs stop the growth of new blood vessels.

Advances in medical research have led to the development of two new surgical techniques for treating wet AMD. These new treatments for macular degeneration are better than laser surgery. These are macular translocation and lens implantation. Macular translocation involves repositioning the macula on the eyeball without abnormal blood vessels.

During a lens implantation, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens that provides better central vision.

Another promising treatment that is currently popular and being tested in clinical trials is stem cell therapy. Stem cells can be transformed into any type of organ cell. These stem cells can be used to create retinal cells and transplanted into the eye.

Prevention

Although macular degeneration is usually caused by the natural aging process, some preventive measures can help delay its onset. If you experience symptoms of AMD, it is best to schedule an eye exam.

Quit smoking. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of leafy vegetables. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Look up the Amsler grid and check your vision every day. The Amsler grid is a pattern of straight lines, like a chessboard. When you look at it, you can see changes in your vision.

Take supplements that contain zinc and antioxidants. Such dietary supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of AMD. If you are 65 years of age or older, check for AMD during a routine exam with your eye doctor.

Catching symptoms early allows for treatment to begin promptly and helps prevent worsening vision.

Regular eye exams are a good way to diagnose vision problems.

Disclaimer:

Articles that discuss symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects are for informational purposes only. Readers should not consider the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are advised to use their own discretion and not to consider the suggestions or opinions of the authors and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of a licensed and experienced medical professional when necessary.