Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an age-related eye disorder in which the macula i.e. the central portion of the retina wears down, leading to vision problems and vision loss in people over age 60.
Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
There are two primary types of age-related macular degeneration:
Dry- This happens in 80% of the cases. In this yellow deposits called drusen forms in their macula. As the number and size of drusens grow they distort the vision causing problems while reading. With the worsening of the symptoms, cones die eventually. Blind spots in the center of the vision are experienced in the atrophic form.
Wet- In 10% of the cases, people have the wet form. Unstable blood vessels grow underneath your macula and these blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the retina. This leads to loss of central vision. The blood vessels and their bleeding eventually form a scar leading to permanent loss of central vision.
Symptoms
- No clear vision or if you have blurry vision.
- Hard to read fine print or drive.
- Blurry areas in the center of the vision.
- Different color perception.
Causes
It is more common in older people and it is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60.
Some of the reasons that make one more prone to AMD are:
Genetic factor or family history.
Smoking
Hypertension or high cholesterol
Obesity
Sex as it affects mostly females
Diagnosis
- Eye examination by an experienced doctor to look for drusens.
- Amsler grid test
- Angiography or OCT
Treatment
There exist no cure for AMD as of now. Several treatments exist that can slow vision loss.
- Having a healthy diet that includes eye-friendly foods.
- Intake of AREDS2 supplements. They are a combination of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc oxide, and cupric oxide.
- Anti-angiogenesis drugs
- Laser therapy
- Photodynamic laser therapy
Your doctor after examination will tell you the best suitable treatment for AMD. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, without delay visit Neytra Eye Centre, Saket. It is one of the best eye check-up clinic in Delhi. Dr. Priyanka is an extremely competent eye specialist in Delhi having more than a decade of expertise. Book an appointment with us today!
Contact us at:
129, D Block, Saket, Near PVR Anupam, New Delhi -110017