Age-related macular degeneration has become one of the most common problems in UK . To properly understand the disease we need to understand the positioning of macula. The macula is situated at the centre of our retina. To be precise it is located right at the back of our eye. The Ophthalmologists consider macula as a very important part of our eye. It is responsible for making people recognize colors and faces. It also helps us to drive, write and read. In age related macular degeneration the macula gets damaged due to aging.
Age-related Macular Degeneration Causes
The doctors are still not very sure regarding the cause of age-related macular degeneration. Constant researches are going on in order to unearth the reasons for its occurrence. So far the specialists have pointed out the age as the main factor behind this disease. The macula cells gets worn out and damaged after a certain amount of time.
Symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration
The disease generally affects both our eyes. However, the patient does not get any prior intimation regarding the disease. Usually there is no redness or pain in the eyes. According to the experience of the experts usually one eye gets affected first. This can be very deceptive as the good eye may compensate the diseased eye and as a result the disease will not be diagnosed until a much later stage.
In the age-related macular degeneration usually the residual vision of the patient is retained. The central vision is mainly affected. During the initial stages of the disease any general activity which requires a clear vision is hampered. This develops into an acute stage and often develops into partial blindness or total blindness.
Types of Age-related Macular Degeneration
The experts have categorized the age-related macular degeneration into two types. The two types are the Wet the age-related macular degeneration and the Dry the age-related macular degeneration
The occurrence of Wet AMD is rare. It generally happens in ten to fifteen percent of the cases. The term is also known as the neovascular AMD. The type includes formation of new blood vessels in the back of the retina. These blood vessels can well become the cause for leakage of blood and fluid as they are extremely weak. As a result scarring is caused which results in quick loss of vision.
Dry
age-related macular degeneration is considered as the most common form of this disease. Generally seventy to eighty percent of the cases fall in this category. The disease takes time to develop. In Dry AMD the proper functioning of the retina is hindered as the person gets old. The cells actually get deprived of the essential nutrients. As a result the working ability of each cell slows down. Tiny deposits known as drusen accumulate beneath the retina and make the surface uneven. This turns out to be fatal and results the cells of the retina to degenerate and eventually die in the due course of time.
Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration
So far the medical researchers have failed to discover a right form of treatment for this disease. Constant researches are going on in this subject. The doctors maintain that a balanced diet with plenty of seasonal fruits and green vegetables improves the general condition of the eye. The macula is also benefited as a result. Beta carotene and heavy doses of vitamin E and C along with Zinc supplements eventually help to slow down the process of vision loss. Photocoagulation, Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and anecortave acetate are the three methods which are used by the doctors effectively for the treatment of Wet AMDs. Magnifiers and additional lighting can help people suffering from dry AMD to use their residual vision.
