One of the main eye diseases causing the loss of vision and blindness in the population over 65 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Since human life is much longer than it used to be, the human population is becoming older, so the loss of vision as a result of macular degeneration is becoming a growing problem.
The macula is in charge of the central visual acuity which influences how well we see when driving and reading. The central vision is affected most by macular degeneration which causes black spots in the field of vision, especially in its center which we use the most when precise-looking.
Types of Age-related Macular Degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration:
- Dry macular degeneration
- Wet macular degeneration
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration is an early phase of the disease. It is characteristic of lipid-containing residues of lipofuscin that accumulate below the macula and cause thinning and dying out of the macular tissue.
Wet macular degeneration is much rarer. Speaking of percentages, every tenth degeneration is wet. It is more dangerous, progresses more quickly, and can be more harmful to the eye much more quickly.
Diagnosis of Age-related Macular Degeneration
It is diagnosed when deposits of yellow lipofuscin start accumulating inside and around the macula. Loss of vision is gradual over the years and can cause blindness in later stages. With wet macular degeneration blood vessels spread quickly and grow through the retina which further makes the eye liquid and blood leak through. This leakage leads to permanent damage to the retinal cells, which die out and create blind spots in the center of the vision.
To diagnose correctly, the doctor has to check visual acuity, examine the accuracy of the image with the Amsler grid, as well as the functional state of the macula with a special OCT test (optical coherence tomography).
Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Although slow and less dangerous, dry macular degeneration cannot be treated in any way except oral consumption of provitamin A in different complex vitamins.
For wet macular degeneration, the method of choice in medical treatment is the application of anti-VEGF therapy directly into the eyeball.