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As
the name suggests (AMD for short) it is a problem of the macula
(the most sensitive part of the retina which is responsible for
close work, reading etc. ) and it is related to ageing.
Degenerative changes take place in some of the layers of the
retina resulting in altered pigmentation, deposition of abnormal
material, and deterioration of the function of the macula. This
gives rise to disturbance in the central vision ranging from a
minor disturbance to complete loss of central vision. There are
two types : Dry- with no fluid collection or haemorrhage( see
top right) and Wet-where there is fluid collection
and haemorrhage. (middle right) This comes from the
abnormal blood vessels that have grown in the deeper layers in the
the macular area. Macular drusens is a condition that can be a
precursor to macular degeneration.( lower right)
Normally
people over 60 years, but some times even younger. The
likelihood of getting it increases with increasing age. Both eyes
tend to be affected.
Difficulty
in reading, recognizing faces and close work. Distortion of
vision can make straight edges appear crooked. Central blind spot
can make details impossible to see. Initially distance vision may
be good but it may deteriorate with time so that navigation
may become difficult. Occasionally the sight may deteriorate
suddenly and may indicate a hemorrhage. The peripheral vision
however always remains good providing there is no other coexisting
problem. Many patients unfortunately become legally blind.
- CAN
I DO ANYTHING TO HELP MYSELF?
Vitamins
and mineral supplements especially zinc is believed to be helpful
in prevention and slowing down deterioration. [More..2] Healthy diet
including fruits and green leafy vegetables and can help in
prevention. If you have
got wet type of degeneration than keeping a close watch may be
helpful to recognize more serious problems early, and timely laser
treatment may prove beneficial. You may not be able to cure it but
simple measures such as using a bright light to read and using a
magnifier can help in milder condition. smoking should be avoided.
In
case of dry AMD there is no curative treatment and a specialist
optician can help you with low vision aids which will help you
read and do some close work. They are basically magnifying aids. Amslar
chart is helpful in assessing central vision and may be given to
you for monitoring your vision at home in order to be able to pick
up small changes early. If picked early in certain situations and
in selected patients it may be possible to give laser treatment.
Although the vision may be completely lost in some of the area,
the progression of the condition can be stopped. A new laser
therapy using a special dye has recently become available and may
prove to be very beneficial. (photodynamic
therapy). Various forms of surgical treatment have been tried,
some more successful than others. They include removal of abnormal
blood vessels and its membrane from under the macula, and
relocation of the macular area so that adjoining healthier
retina may be moved to the macular area (macular translocation).
These surgeries are not without risks and are undertaken only in
specialist centres. If cataract surgery is needed a special type
of lens implant can be used instead of the ordinary implant to
give better vision.
A
source of bright light behind the shoulder and a large -clear
print can make reading easier. As
mentioned earlier low vision aids like stronger glasses and
different kinds of magnifiers may help. [More..3] Large print books and
talking books are available from libraries and some resource centers. If your vision is very poor you may be eligible to be
registered partially sighted or blind, this may give you some
other assistance and benefits. |
Dry AMD
Wet AMD
Drusens
these
retinal pictures are digitally reconstructed and are not of any
real patients
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