Macular degeneration is one of the common causes of vision loss. The macula is the central part of the retina that controls the visual acuity. The normal health of the macula is important as it controls an individual’s ability to see fine details such as recognizing the face or to read. Among individuals with this problem, the central vision becomes blurred that makes it difficult to recognize people’s faces or to read. Usually, the vision loss is progressive over time although in some cases it can be rapid. Individuals with the advanced form of macular degeneration are considered to be legally blind although they can continue to have their peripheral vision. There are two types of macular degeneration, dry and wet macular degeneration. The dry form is more common than the wet form which causes the more serious vision loss.
Cause
The wet macular degeneration develops as the result of new growths of blood vessels in places such as the macula. The blood vessels that grow below the retina can leak fluid thus damaging the light-sensitive retinal cells creating the blind spots. The dry macular degeneration is more common than the wet type and is the early stage of the disease. This can develop as the result of normal ageing although research suggests the involvement of genetic component. Besides the normal ageing, it can also develop as the result of certain medications and their side effect. Additional risk factors include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and having a family member with this condition.
Symptoms
This is a slowly progressive loss of vision although in some cases, the vision loss can be sudden. The initial sign includes the distorted vision or the shadowy central vision. This can consist of the problem identifying objects against a background, the ability to see fine details and the difficulty with driving or reading. The dry macula may take 5 to 10 years before the vision loss can affect the quality of life. The wet macula degeneration is the advanced form of the disease that can include visual distortions, blind spots and hallucinations such as seeing things that don’t exist.
Diagnosis
Eye care specialists often can detect the macular degeneration before the onset of symptoms with the retinal examination. This includes a test with Amsler grid that can evaluate the performance of the central vision. If this disease is suspected, a fluorescein angiography will be required that evaluates the blood vessel around the macula.
Treatment
There isn’t a single cure for this condition but treatment can help by delaying the progression of the disease and improve the vision. The treatment is also based on whether it is diagnosed during the initial or the late stage. The practical support for the dry macula degeneration includes very bright reading lights, magnifying lenses and large printed books. Evidence also suggests that the inclusion of a diet rich in vitamin A, C and E could reduce the chance of getting the advanced form of the disease. The treatment options for the wet macula degeneration include laser surgery and anti-VEGF medication.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Macular-degeneration/Pages/Treatment.aspx
https://www.macular.org/what-macular-degeneration
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration
