Introduction:
Macular degeneration affects many people worldwide. This eye disease is the main reason for vision loss in old aged people. The condition is also known as age-related macular degeneration. There is no remedy for the condition, but several treatment measures can decrease the condition's progression. One can take proactive steps to reduce the chances of developing macular degeneration. Regular exercise, smoking cessation, and healthy life maintenance can improve the condition. Among individuals aged 50 or above, it is the leading cause of vision loss. Daily eye examination eliminates the chances of developing macular degeneration. The article explores age-related macular degeneration, including its various types, causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and preventative measures.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an ocular condition that explicitly impacts the retina's central portion, the macula. The macula helps read, drive, and identify faces. The disease affects a global population of over ten million individuals. The condition is more central than glaucoma and cataract.
What Are the Types of Macular Degeneration?
The types of macular degeneration are as under:
-
Dry Macular Degeneration: The disease occurs when the thinned macula fails. The result can be a decline in the ability to see clearly in the center of one's visual field. The symptoms include tiny, yellow deposits under the macula.
-
Wet Macular Degeneration: The less common disease occurs when the unusual blood vessels under the macula lead to leakage of the fluid or blood. This can cause severe vision loss.
What Are the Causes of Macular Degeneration?
The causes of macular degeneration are as follows:
-
Age: Macular degeneration is observed in adults over the age of 50. The threat of macular degeneration increases with age.
-
Gender: Females are more at risk of getting the condition.
-
Race: Macular degeneration is more often seen in people with fair skin or light eye color.
-
Family History: Macular degeneration is more common in family members or siblings. Several genes or genetic factors can cause the condition.
-
Smoking: Smoking can cause inflammation and damage to eye blood vessels.
-
Nutrition: An individual with a diet lacking vegetables and fruits is at elevated risk of macular degeneration.
-
Sunlight Exposure: Long-term exposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) light may damage the macula.
-
Cardiovascular Diseases: Disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. These cardiovascular diseases lead to the elevation of the risk of the condition.
-
Obesity: Elevated body weight or overweight people may have the condition.
-
Other Factors: A sedentary lifestyle, chemical exposure, and cataract surgery history may increase the risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
The symptoms include:
-
Blurred or distorted vision. An individual with the condition sees the objects as blurry and hazy.
-
The straight line becomes wavy.
-
Decreased central vision.
-
People face difficulty reading, driving, identifying faces, and performing other tasks requiring clear vision.
-
Bright color.
-
People need help in adapting to low light.
How Can Macular Degeneration Be Diagnosed?
Macular degeneration can be diagnosed through comprehensive eye examinations and diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests are as follows:
-
Visual Acuity Test: The doctor may ask the patient to read the numbers or letters placed at various distances using an eye chart.
-
Dilated Eye Examination: An eye doctor will put eye drops in the eyes of the patient to dilate the pupil. By doing so, the doctor can examine the posterior segment of the eye to detect any indications of macular degeneration.
-
Amsler Grid Test: The doctor will use a grid of straight lines and ask the patient to look at the grid. This helps to check for any distortion or missing part of the grid.
How Can Macular Degeneration Be Treated?
Dry macular degeneration does not have treatment. Wet degeneration can be treated with several options, which are as follows.
-
Anti-VEGF Injections: The doctor may inject the medications into the patient's eye. This jam the protein activity called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The VEGF causes leakage in the macula and abnormal blood vessel growth.
-
Laser Therapy: The therapy helps in the obliteration of abnormal blood vessels.
-
Photodynamic Therapy: The doctor will inject a light-sensitive drug into the bloodstream. Then the healthcare provider may use the laser to demolish abnormal blood vessels.
-
Implanted Telescope: An eye doctor will surgically insert an implanted telescope into the eye. This will better enhance the condition.
How Can the Risk of Macular Degeneration Be Reduced?
The ways to reduce the risk are as follows:
-
Quit Smoking: People should quit smoking because smoking can worsen the condition. Smoking also makes treatment less functional.
-
Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure can impede the blood flow to the eye. The oxygen loss to the eye worsens the condition.
-
Eat a Healthy Diet: Including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can provide essential nutrients for maintaining eye health.
-
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Heavyweight people are at high risk. Staying healthy through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk.
-
Protect the Eyes From UV Light: People should wear sunglasses that can protect the eyes from the sun.
-
Manage Underlying Health Conditions: Medical conditions such as high blood sugar can increase the risk. People should prefer lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk.
-
Get Regular Eye Examinations: Daily eye examinations can detect the condition early when it is more treatable.
Conclusion:
Macular degeneration is a progressive condition characterized by the macula's decline, the retina's central region responsible for central vision. People with the disease have blurred vision and cannot do regular activities. This degeneration ultimately leads to a loss of sight. Macular degeneration has no remedy, but several treatment options can reduce the threat of developing the condition. Daily eye examinations can reduce the risk. The disease can be diagnosed by visual activity tests, Amsler grid examination, and dilated eye examination. Macular degeneration can be managed by laser treatment, anti-VEGF therapy, and photodynamic therapy. People should follow lifestyle changes, including daily exercise, protection of the eyes from harmful UV radiation, a balanced diet, and maintaining weight. If an individual is facing vision difficulties, then there is a need to consult a doctor online or physically.
