Macular Degeneration Causes, Symptoms, Signs and Treatment

Macular degeneration is always and everywhere a problem associated with aging and some other factors. The doctors often define this medical condition simply AMD or ARMD. Each of our eyes has macula. It is a tiny zone which goal is to manage visual activities.

The disorder is known as the main reason why more than half of the aged US citizens start losing their ability to see after the age of 50 or more. Doctors define two different types of this problem with eyes.

Dry AMD. It is the consequence of growing up. As people become older, their macular tissues become thinner. Then, the yellow dots start to pile up close to the macula. The symptoms of the dry form are not that severe, so such patients rarely lose vision. Mind that this problem may transform into something more serious – do not let the disorder progress!

Wet AMD. 10% of dry AMD situations evolve into the wet form of this disorder. The patient starts seeing blind spots in central vision first. Both organs become rather sensitive to any signs of light. Occult and classic categories exist. The vision loss is less serious is the first case. However, CNV may cause complete blindness.

There are two major causes of this eye disorder: Aging, Genetic component. There is a gene called a complement factor H (CFH). In fact, it is the riskiest factor when it comes to potential vision loss. Factor B is one more source of the problem. A bit less dangerous are the oxygen-deprived cells. These elements form vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It has certain risks to the health of our eyes as well.

Macular degeneration is most frequently faced by the mature men and women. There is no tendency which gender suffers more. This condition of the eye associated with aging usually causes blindness smoothly. Pay attention to the first warning signal such as the gloomy, dark spots when you try to look just in front of you.

Get enrolled into the macular degeneration test aimed to define whether the distorted vision is temporary or severer. It is possible to identify the symptoms of this disorder even before the actual symptoms pop up. A retinal test is another way to check is there is something wrong going on with the matured patient’s eyes. Eye care experts often apply an Amsler grid to evaluate the central vision. Finally, if the first hidden signs are noticed, it is recommended to try fluorescein angiography.

You won’t find FDA-approved medication in case of dry AMD. On the other hand, doctors recommend several groups of vitamins as the most proper and effective treatment/prevention measure. They might help to prevent the severest stages when the patient risks losing vision. Buy some nutritional supplements with antioxidants capable of supporting your vision. Make sure they have lutein or zeaxanthin on the list of ingredients. These vitamins are necessary to avoid wet AMD consequences as well.

Anti-angiogenic drugs. Be ready that you’ll get injections right into the eye! In fact, it is not that painful – it is important to find a good specialist. The vessels will stop developing, so the retina will be saved from further consequences. In many cases, it is the only chance to restore vision at least partially. It may be a time-consuming process, so the vision will recover smoothly.

Laser therapy. Lasers are used to treat many cosmetic and health-related problems today. Some apply this medicine to solve problems with skin, and others try laser therapies and even surgeries to restore vision. Laser does not help blind people, so do not postpone the treatment. It is completely safe despite all stereotypes and rumors.

Photodynamic laser is one more thing which may help people diagnosed with the macular degeneration. It solves the problem with light sensitivity.