Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Understanding Eye Anatomy

Our eyes have many parts that work together to enable us to see clearly.

• Sclera - The white part of the eye protects the eyeball.
• Pupil - It is the black dot at the centre of our eye. It is an opening area through which the light can enter our eyes.
• Iris - The coloured part of our eye that surrounds the pupil. It controls the light entering our eye by altering the size of our pupil.
• Cornea - It is the front window of our eye. It covers the pupil and iris.
• Lens- This is located behind the pupil. It focuses light onto the retina.
• Retina- The retina is an inner lining at the back of the eye. Ten different layers of cells work together in the retina to allow us to seelight.
• Macular- The part of the eye that provides us with clear central vision

Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

There are two primary types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form. This occurs due to deposits called Drusen around the macula, which dry and thin the macula. It occurs gradually, and in some cases, people don’t lose their vision completely.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet Macular Degeneration occurs when blood vessels develop under the macula and retina. The blood vessels leak fluid and blood. In this case, people can see dark spots in the centre of their vision. This needs quick medical attention or can lead to significant vision loss in the centre the eye if left untreated.

Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The macular sends images from the eye’s optic nerve to the brain. If the macular is decayed, the brain can’t understand the pictures that the eyes see. Many people don’t get symptoms until the disease progresses.

• Difficulty reading
• Blurred vision
• Low vision in low light
• You may see wavy lines
• Dark or blank spots

Causes of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration has environmental and genetic risk factors. Some people are genetically predisposed to develop it, and others are affected by environmental factors and lifestyle choices.

Research has shown that certain genes are associated with the risk of developing this condition.

Environmental factors can play a significant role in developing vision loss. These include UV rays or blue lights from electronic devices, unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of physical exercise.

Other risk factors

Age - This is the primary risk factor for macular degeneration. 50% of the people have macular degeneration are over 50 years old

Gender- Females tend to have a higher risk of macular degeneration.

High Blood Pressure - High blood pressure can be another reason for this. If you have high blood pressure, it restricts the amount of oxygen in your eyes. It raises the risks for macular degeneration.

Early Detection of Macular Degeneration

An annual eye examination is a crucial step in preventing macular degeneration. By detecting the disease early, your provider can start treatments when they are most effective, giving you the power to protect your vision.

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How Can I Prevent Macular Degeneration?

 You can make these lifestyle changes to lower the risk of macular degeneration:

• Quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Stay physically active.
• Maintain your blood pressure and cholesterol levels at appropriate levels.
• Maintain a good balanced diet

Different Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Though there is no treatment for AMD, several options are there to manage this condition and slow its progression. The treatment method will depend on the kind and stage of AMD.

Anti-VEGF injections: These are commonly used for treating wet AMD. The injections block the growth of unusual blood vessels and lessen leakage, preventing further damage to the macular and protect vision.

Laser therapy: It may be used in certain cases of wet AMD to seal leakage in blood vessels. Photodynamic therapy is another treatment option which involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into the bloodstream. It can be activated by means of a laser to damage abnormal blood vessels.

There are cases when vitamins and supplements can be suggested to slow down the progression of dry AMD. These supplements usually contain antioxidant vitamins and zinc.

Living with Macular degeneration

Vision aids and increasing brightness of lighting can help individuals read, write, and perform regular activities. However, support from their friends, family, and healthcare professionals is imperative. This support is essential to coping with the frustration, anxiety, and sadness that can arise from losing vision.

Protect Your Vision

It is crucial to take care of your eyes. To protect your vision and maintain your eye health, schedule an eye exam to monitor your eye’s health and diagnose macular degeneration early.