|
|
|
Eye care - Macula Degeneration
| Eye care | | Children's eye care | | Visual displays and your eyes | | Squints & Lazy Eyes | |
| Focussing Errors | | Cataracts | | Glaucoma | | Macula Degeneration | | Retinal Detachment | |
Macula Degeneration
The macula is the part of the retina responsible for detailed vision and ability to see colours. Macular degeneration occurs when this area of delicate cells are irreparably damaged.
The Effect On Vision
Damage in this area disrupts the central vision. Vision may be distorted and blurry, or in severe cases lost completely.
The Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the form of the disease. There are two forms:
Non Exudative (commonly referred to as Wet): a gradual deterioration in sharpness and some distortion Exudative (commonly referred to as Dry): a sudden onset of distortion of objects and waviness of straight lines
The Difference Between The Two Types
Dry: is the most common form and occurs when deposits build up on the macular area and stop the pigment cells from working. This results in a reduction in the quality of vision. The condition usually develops and progresses slowly.
Wet: accounts for about 10% of all AMD cases. It occurs when new blood vessels grow behind the retina causing bleeding and scarring. The condition can develop very quickly.
Causes
This is not yet fully understood, but it appears to be due to a breakdown in cellular metabolism.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Macular Degeneration mostly occurs in patients over 55. It is therefore commonly referred to as Age Related Macular Degeneration
Normal view
View with Macula Degeneration
The following factors also have a bearing on its development:
Gender: slightly more common in women
Family history: there is a genetic link
Smoking: increases free radical activity
Excessive sunlight: UV causes cell damage
Poor nutrition: vitamin and mineral deficiency affects photo pigment cell renewal
Can It Be Tested For?
Both wet and dry forms can be picked up during a routine examination by examining the appearance of the macula area and performing a central visual field test.. In the wet form, however it may not reveal itself at all, and can often occur very suddenly in an eye that has previously been deemed to look healthy.
If Wet AMD is suspected by one of our Optometrists they will refer you to the hospital for urgent assessment by an Ophthalmologist where further tests such as Fluoroscein Angiograms can be performed.
What Is the Treatment?
The treatment, if any, depends on the type of macular degeneration:
Exudative - Laser and drug treatment. Non Exudative - no treatment careful monitoring and advice, vision aids such as high-powered spectacles and magnifiers may help
Treatment success is variable and does not usually restore lost vision. New treatments are being developed all the time. One of the newest is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which involves a light sensitive drug being injected into the blood stream to identify abnormal blood vessels growing behind the macula. A laser shone on these vessels then activates the drug and stops the blood vessels from growing and causing further damage. The best results are achieved in the early stages of disease onset.
For more information click on the following links
www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/public_rnib001959.hcsp
www.moorfields.nhs.uk/eyehealth