Age-related Macular Degeneration

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (YELLOW SPOT DISEASE)

The macula is the area that provides sharp vision. Cells in this area are damaged in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), also known as “yellow spot disease”, which is among the most common reasons for blindness at later ages (over the age of 60). Leading risk factors are elderliness, genetics, smoking, obesity, malnutrition, exposure to excessive UV.

Symptoms of the disease

• Vision Loss
• Broken, curved, distorted view of objects or lines
• Shadows in front of the eye
• Impaired visual quality
• Trouble discerning colors

It is impossible to eliminate age and genetics from the risk factors. But the other risk factors can be controlled. If the patient has hypertension, it can be controlled. If smoking, it should be quitted. Wearing filtered sunglasses is required for the sun. Mediterranean diet is suggested.

The most common (90%) type is “dry type” in patients and in this type vision loss develops slowly. However, in the “wet type”, which is seen in about %10, vision loss develops quickly. For the treatment of the “wet type” cases, injected drugs called anti-VEGF are used.

To help insufficient vision, telescopic glasses can be used. In suitable cases, telescopic glasses can be implanted into the eye.