Macular Degeneration
Symptoms and treatment of macular degeneration
There are a number of disorders that affect the eyes and their ability to see. Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula, or central area of the retina, is affected. This disease is most common among those 65 and older. Since the center of the retina is where the eye processes detailed visual information, activities such as driving and reading become difficult or impossible.
Types of Macular Degeneration
The two types of macular degeneration are termed "wet" and "dry." The dry form represents 90 percent of all cases of age-related macular degeneration. In this type, cells in the macula slowly break down. Vision loss is typically gradual as the condition progresses through three stages: early, intermediate and advanced. The eyes may also be affected differently, with one eye retaining full vision while sight in the other eye deteriorates.
The remaining 10 percent of cases are "wet" macular degeneration. In this condition, fragile new blood vessels develop behind the macula and begin to lift it away from the back of the eye. This condition is much more serious, and vision loss can occur rapidly.
The two forms of macular degeneration are not exclusive of each other—the dry form can change into the wet form.
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and treatment is limited. The dry type cannot be treated at all once it has progressed to the advanced stage, but there are treatment options for the wet form of macular degeneration.
Laser coagulation is one treatment for age related macular degeneration. Unlike traditional laser eye surgery, this treatment uses lasers to stop the growth of blood vessels near the retina. Other age related macular degeneration treatments include medications that slow or stop the growth of blood vessels behind the retina. Macular degeneration injections, placed directly in the eye, block the growth of new blood vessels in the retina. Another injection treatment uses drugs that are injected into the arm and then travel through the bloodstream to the new blood vessels developing in the eye. When activated, the drug breaks down the developing blood vessels and slows the advancement of the condition.
Certain lifestyle changes may also help prevent or slow the progression of the disease. It is recommended that patients eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and get adequate exercise. Some studies have also suggested that certain antioxidant supplements may slow the disease.
