The retina, a layer in the back of the eyeball, is affected by macular degeneration. A human can see because of the light-sensitive cells in this layer. Central vision is affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Occurrence increases beyond the age of 60. A common early sign of AMD is blurry vision.
It can become more difficult to write, read, recognize faces, and drive a vehicle. However, peripheral vision is typically sufficient to allow for other daily activities. Total blindness is unlikely to occur.
Types
Dry AMD also known as Atrophic AMD, develops gradually. Although there is no treatment, a person can develop strategies to cope. 85 to 90% of instances are of this sort.
Wet AMD is when new blood vessels form under the macula, a condition known as wet or exudative AMD, also known as advanced nonvascular AMD, occurs. These may result in blood and liquid leaks. This kind typically progresses more quickly and causes a more serious loss of eyesight.
Symptoms
Wet AMD is not considered by doctors as being at an early or intermediate stage. Wet AMD is regarded as advanced stage AMD. Both wet and dry AMD show similar symptoms in the advanced stage.
- Straight lines begin to look curved or wavering.
- The clarity of your vision has decreased.
- Whiteout or darkness that appears in the middle of your field of vision
- Your ability to detect colors can occasionally change.
Causes
- hangs in pigment
- Drusen, which are fat deposits on the retina that look like light yellow spots.
- a thickening of Bruch’s membrane, a layer that lies between the retina and the choroid
- Retinal basal laminar deposits made up of collagen fibers and other materials
- in dry AMD, a thinning of the retina around the macula
- Internal bleeding, lesions, scarring, and the incorrect formation of new blood vessels are all symptoms of wet AMD.
Treatment
Treatment for AMD can restore lost vision, it can slow it.
Dry AMD
- Dry AMD cannot be treated, although there are management strategies that can help:
- increasing the font size on screens or selecting larger print books
- using magnifying glass
- adjusting the light
Wet AMD
The development of wet AMD can be slowed down by several treatments.
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication
A chemical called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) aids in the development of new blood vessels in the eyes. Anti-VEGF medications block this molecule and stop the excessive development of blood vessels in persons with wet AMD.
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