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Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of irreversible central vision loss worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that can cause central vision loss, making it hard to see faces, read, drive or do daily activities. It can happen so subtly that you may not notice vision loss for a long time. Therefore it is important to learn more and get regular eye exams to find out if you have age-related macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration affects the macula, the small central area of the back of the eye (retina) that is full of light-sensitive cells. The macula is responsible for detailed vision and color discrimination. When the macula is damaged, it will result in blurred or loss of central field vision. When the macular progressively deteriorates as you age, it is referred to as age-related macular degeneration.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD):
In the early stage, macular degeneration may not affect vision. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience:
There are a number of factors associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) including:
Since age-related macular degeneration rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, annual eye check-ups are key in detecting disease and initiating treatment when they are most effective.
You can perform a simple self-check-up with the Amsler Grid to check whether lines look wavy or distorted. It cannot replace a comprehensive eye check-up, however, if you found any distortion or missing lines, please consult your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Instruction for Amsler Grid
Your eye healthcare provider will check for changes in the retina and macula. You may get one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
Treatments for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)
Once dry AMD reaches the advanced stage, there is no form of treatment at present to prevent further vision loss. However, there are intervention measures that could delay intermediate stage dry AMD progressing to the advanced stage. Such as taking nutritional supplements with a high-dose formulation of antioxidants (Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene) and smoking cessation.
Treatments for Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)
There is no treatment that will cure Wet AMD, however, the following treatments are available to slow the rate of vision decline or stop further vision loss, including:
There are several ways to help prevent macular degeneration, which include:
Macular degeneration may not affect vision in the early stage. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience blurring of the central vision affecting daily activities; having one or more dark or empty spots in the center of the visual field; distortion of vision and noticing the color of your vision appear dull or washed out.
There is no absolute cure or reverse macular degeneration, however, treatment may delay the progression or improve vision in wet age-related macular degeneration such as Anti-VEGF injections, PDT therapy, and laser photocoagulation.
You may experience central vision loss with macular degeneration, but that doesn't mean you will lose all of your vision. Even with advanced age-related macular degeneration, you may still have preserved peripheral vision, meaning you will be able to see things to the side.
Source
https://www.elderly.gov.hk/english/common_health_problems/others/amd_factsheet.html
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration
https://www.macularsociety.org/macular-disease/macular-conditions/
https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/about-macular-disease/age-related-macular-degeneration/AMD-overview/
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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