Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Because the disease develops as a person ages, it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although macular degeneration is almost never a totally blinding condition, it can be a source of significant visual disability.
There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration:
Most patients with macular degeneration have the dry form of the disease and can lose some form of central vision. However, the dry form of macular degeneration can lead to the wet form. Although only about 10% of people with macular degeneration develop the wet form, they make up the majority of those who experience serious vision loss from the disease. It is very important for people with macular degeneration to monitor their eyesight carefully and see their eye doctor on a regular basis.
As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration is more common in older adults. In fact, it is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 60.
Macular degeneration may be hereditary, meaning it can be passed on from parents to children. If someone in your family has or had the condition you may be at higher risk for developing macular degeneration. Talk to your eye doctor about your individual risk.
Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and being light skinned, female, and having a light eye color are also risk factors for macular degeneration.
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
In its early stages, macular degeneration may not have symptoms and may be unrecognized until it progresses or affects both eyes. The first sign of macular degeneration is usually a dim, blurry spot in the middle of your vision. This spot may get bigger or darker over time.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, see an eye specialist as soon as possible.
How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
Age-related macular degeneration can be detected in a routine eye exam. One of the most common early signs of macular degeneration is the presence of drusen -- tiny yellow deposits under the retina -- or pigment clumping. Your doctor can see these when examining the eyes. Your doctor may also ask you to look at an Amsler grid -- a pattern of straight lines that resemble a checkerboard. Some of the straight lines may appear wavy to you, or you may notice that some of the lines are missing. These can be signs of macular degeneration.
If your doctor detects age-related macular degeneration, you may have a procedure called angiography or an OCT. In angiography, a dye is injected into a vein in the arm. Photographs are taken as the dye reaches the eye and flows through the blood vessels of the retina. If there are new vessels or vessels leaking fluid or blood in the macula, the photographs will show their exact location and type. OCT is able to see fluid or blood underneath the retina without using dye.
Early detection of age-related macular degeneration is very important because there are treatments that can delay or reduce the severity of the disease.
There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but treatments may prevent severe vision loss or slow the progression of the disease considerably. Several options are available, including:
Researchers are studying new treatments for macular degeneration. The following treatments are considered experimental and have been used less often since the development of anti-angiogenic medications have developed:
People rarely lose all of their vision from age-related macular degeneration. They may have poor central vision, but they are still able to perform many normal daily activities.
The wet form of macular degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. When both eyes are affected, you may experience a significant decrease in your quality of life.
The dry form of age-related macular degeneration is much more common and tends to progress more slowly, allowing you to keep most of your vision.
Unfortunately, even after wet macular degeneration treatment, the condition can recur and require repeated treatments. Because of this, individuals with macular degeneration must test their own vision regularly and follow the recommendations of their ophthalmologist. Successful and timely treatment will slow the rate of vision loss and often improve vision.
You can always contact our customer service team over the phone on +6019 2877 766 or email your enquries to info@vfocusvisiononline.com.my, and they’ll be happy to assist you. Kindly visit our website vfocusvisiononline.com.my to check our available retail store.
Severity: Notice
Message: Undefined variable: ub
Filename: helpers/general_helper.php
Line Number: 824
Severity: Notice
Message: Undefined variable: ub
Filename: helpers/general_helper.php
Line Number: 839
Severity: Notice
Message: Undefined variable: ub
Filename: helpers/general_helper.php
Line Number: 824
Severity: Notice
Message: Undefined variable: ub
Filename: helpers/general_helper.php
Line Number: 839