AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
The macula is a part of the retina that provides clear central vision. Macular degeneration is associated with age. As we age, our risk of macular degeneration increases. Once we lose our central vision, objects and people become warped, blurry and hard to see.
There are two forms of macular degeneration related to age: wet and dry. Dry age-related macular degeneration can progress to wet macular degeneration, which happens when blood and fluid leak from small vessels in the eye.
What are the signs of macular degeneration related to age?
- Blurry vision
- Straight lines that appear distorted on a page
- Trouble reading
- Light sensitivity
What are the causes of age-related macular degeneration?
Genetics and environmental factors such as sun exposure, diet and obesity contribute to age-related macular degeneration. Macula tissue thins out and cells die, which leads to vision loss. Other risk factors for dry age-related macular degeneration are a family history of the condition, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
How do you diagnose age-related macular degeneration?
Vision tests and a comprehensive eye exam determine age-related macular degeneration. During a fundus exam, an ophthalmoscope instrument helps dilate the pupils to view the macula in detail.
An optical coherence tomography test creates cross-sectional, 3D images of the eye’s support structures, including the macula. A proper analysis of these pictures reveals issues with the macula and support layers.
How do you treat age-related macular degeneration?
At the moment, there are clinical trials to test treatments for dry age-related macular degeneration. Routine eye screenings, exercise, taking eye-specific vitamin supplementation and kicking old habits like smoking to the curb can prevent the condition from escalating.
There’s no cure for dry age-related macular degeneration, but vision aids can help restore eyesight. There are also devices such as magnifying lenses which improve reading at night.
Fortunately, there are treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration. Regular ocular injections of a new medication called anti-VEGF and photodynamic laser therapy can be effective in putting a stop to vision loss.
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- John Wittstock, Cataract