Macular degeneration is among the most common causes of blindness, particularly in those who are 50 years and older. Macular degeneration is an eye condition that targets the macula (the part of your retina that is responsible for clear and direct vision). Over time, the condition can disrupt tasks like reading, identifying faces, or driving. In this blog, we'll discuss everything you need to know about macular degeneration, its symptoms, age-related macular degeneration, and the macular degeneration treatment options.
Macular degeneration is a retinal condition that results in slow loss of the macula. There are two predominant types:
Although there is no absolute cure, early diagnosis and a customised macular degeneration treatment program can greatly retard the disease and help retain the degree of vision that remains.
Macular degeneration will not typically result in complete blindness, but it does affect central vision, which is necessary for most daily activities. The following are some noticeable symptoms to be aware of:
Since the symptoms usually develop gradually, most people do not know that something has gone wrong until after a large loss of vision.
Age-related macular degeneration typically starts to exhibit signs after the age of 50 years, and the risk increases remarkably with age. Here's a rough idea of when it may begin:
Even though age is the biggest risk factor, others, such as genetics, smoking, hypertension, and obesity, can also play a role. If you have a family history or any of the mentioned risk factors, you will need to get your eyes screened earlier and more often.
As discussed earlier, there are two main types of macular degeneration - dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. It is vital to know how they differ in order to manage the condition effectively.
This form is a progressive deterioration of the macula's light-sensitive cells. Small yellow deposits known as drusen accumulate beneath the retina, which, over the years, compromise the macula and blur vision. Dry AMD develops gradually and may not be apparent until it has progressed extensively.
Here, abnormal blood vessels develop underneath the retina and bleed or leak fluid and ruin the macula quickly. Wet AMD is worse and can cause serious vision loss if it is not treated in its early stages.
Interestingly, all wet AMD develops from dry macular degeneration, but not all dry macular degeneration becomes the wet type.
The key to saving your vision is early detection. Getting your eyes checked on a regular basis, particularly after age 50, can detect age-related macular degeneration before symptoms become disabling.
You may test with an Amsler grid at home (a blank square containing lines that form a grid). If the lines wobble or sections of the grid look crooked, it's a warning sign, and you need to see your eye specialist ASAP.
Even though there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are several techniques used to control the disease and preserve useful vision.
Lifestyle changes are the treatment of choice for early or dry macular degeneration:
Your doctor can prescribe a particular group of vitamins called AREDS2 if you have intermediate or advanced dry macular degeneration:
The supplements won't recover lost vision but slow down changes dramatically.
For wet AMD, macular degeneration treatment usually involves anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs like Avastin, Eylea, or Lucentis. These injections:
Injections are typically done monthly or bi-monthly and are administered directly into the eye under local anaesthesia. Though it sounds daunting, most people tolerate it well.
This is another option for certain cases of wet AMD. It involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into your bloodstream, which is then activated by a special laser in the eye to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
For those with significant vision loss, tools like magnifiers, screen readers, and special lenses can help regain independence.
Age-related macular degeneration doesn’t have to mean losing your independence or quality of life. Understanding the condition, watching for early signs, and starting the right macular degeneration treatment at the right time can make a major difference. Whether you’re dealing with dry macular degeneration or the more aggressive wet form, knowledge is power, and your best tool for preserving your sight.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, book a comprehensive eye exam. Prevention and timely intervention are your strongest allies
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