Macular degeneration is a common type of eye disorder that is responsible for the loss of central vision. It is also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD. AMD occurs when the small central portion of the retina called the macula, damages. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue located at the back of the eyeball. This disorder causes central vision loss, not peripheral vision, hence doesn’t cause total blindness. Although there is no treatment available for this eye disorder, doctors, and physicians around the globe treat it through laser therapy, medications, vitamins, and vision aids.
Types of macular degeneration -
Macular degeneration is of two types- dry and wet macular degeneration.
- Dry macular degeneration - It is the most common type and it occurs due to small yellow deposits called drusen develops under the macula. This causes retinal damage and central vision loss.
- Wet macular degeneration - It occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina and macula. People with this condition see a dark spot in the center of vision because of the blood vessels bleeding or leaking fluid.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of dry macular degeneration are as follows:
- Visual distortions like straight lines appearing bent
- Reduction in central vision in one or both eyes
- Blurriness and inability to see printed words
- Face recognition trouble
- The problem in adaption to low lights
- The requirement of bright lights
- Decreased color brightness or intensity
Signs and symptoms of wet macular degeneration are as follows:
- Reduction in central vision in one or both eyes
- The decreased color intensity or brightness
- General haziness in the overall vision
- Presence of well-defined blurry spot or a blind spot in the field of vision
- Visual distortions like straight lines appearing bent
- Sudden onset and worsening of symptoms
Causes
The main reasons behind this eye disorder in people around the world are as follows:
- Crossing the age of 65
- Smoking
- Overweight
- Suffering from cardiovascular disease
- Being Caucasian
- Family history of macular degeneration
The exact cause behind the wet and dry macular degeneration is yet unknown.
Treatment
As per various medical resources, there is no absolute cure for AMD, but doctors may adhere to several treatments to hinder the rate of growth of this condition.
For dry macular degeneration patients, doctors may recommend surgeries for improving the vision. They have been observed to implant a telescopic lens on the patient’s eye, magnifying their field of vision. Doctors may also recommend patients consulting with a low vision rehabilitation specialist, who can assist them in adjusting and coping with vision loss.
For wet macular degeneration patients, doctors have been seen to recommend low vision specialists too. Drugs may be administered by the doctors for inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. Doctors may also recommend the following therapies:
- Photodynamic therapy: As per medical records, doctors inject medication into a vein of the patient’s arms and use a special laser for closing leaking blood vessels. Through multiple treatments, the patient’s vision can be improved.
- Photocoagulation: Through this therapy, doctors use high-energy laser beams for destroying abnormal blood vessels. This therapy helps in stopping the bleeding and reducing the damage done to the macula. Abnormal blood vessels can regrow, hence multiple treatments are required. The only drawback is that the laser can cause scarring and leave a blind spot on the patient’s eye.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://www.healthline.com/health/macular-degeneration
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20350375
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wet-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20351107
- https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/macular-degeneration/default.htm
