OPHTHALMIC CONDITIONS
Macula
Aged – Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
What is the macula?
The macula is a thin layer of light – sensitive cells located in the central part of the retina at the posterior segment of the eye (the ocular fundus). The macula is responsible for sharp central vision, allowing us to see details and perceive colors. It is named for its yellowish appearance.
What exactly is aged – related macular degeneration (AMD) and what are its main symptoms?
Aged – related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition characterized by progressive loss of central vision, reduced contrast sensitivity (CS), and visual distortion – metamorphopsia (straight lines appear warped).
In patients with advanced stages of aged – related macular degeneration (AMD), daily activities (such as driving and reading) become very challenging. Those patients often see a persistent dark spot in the center of their visual field and experience blurred colors. Fortunately, the disease does not affect peripheral vision, but only central vision.
What are the primary causes of the disease?
Many people develop aged – related macular degeneration (AMD) with aging, so typically it is observed in individuals over 60 years old. When the disease appears in younger people, it is known as macular dystrophy. Other risk factors for developing aged – related macular degeneration (AMD) include smoking, obesity, heredity, and sun exposure.
What are the types of aged – related macular degeneration (AMD)?
There are two types of aged – related macular degeneration (AMD):
Dry (non – exudative) AMD: Atrophy and thinning of the macula, with slow progression.
Wet (exudative) AMD: Leakage of fluid and blood, with aggressive and rapid progression.
Are there any treatments?
There is no available treatment for dry AMD (reducing smoking and a healthy diet are recommended). However, for wet AMD, the following treatment approaches are available, depending on the extent of damage:
Thermal laser | Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Intravitreal injections of anti – vascular endothelial growth factor (anti – VEGF) drugs
based on a timeline schedule. This specific method has shown impressive results in
recent years
Surgical intervention when necessary (vitrectomy)
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