Macular Degeneration

Dry Macular Degeneration

An early stage of the disease which results from aging, thinning of the macular tissue, depositing of pigment in the macula or a combination of these. Gradual central vision loss can occur with dry Macular Degeneration, but is not nearly as severe as the wet version.

Currently, no treatments are available to treat dry Macular Degeneration although a few are currently in clinical trials. Nutritional supplements containing antioxidant vitamins and multi vitamins that contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of developing dry AMD as well as slow down the progression of the disease.

In about 10% of cases, dry AMD progresses to wet AMD which is the more advanced and damaging form of the disease. With wet Macular Degeneration, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid causing permanent damage to light-sensitive cells in the Retina. The cells then die off, creating blind spots in one’s central vision.

The most common treatment for wet macular degeneration is anti-VEGF therapy, which is an injection into the eye. VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is a molecule that helps with the growth of new blood vessels. In the case of the macula this is not good and VEGF causes the development of new weak blood vessels on the back of the eye that can result in leakage (hemorrhaging) that can cause scarring on the retina and kills macula cells. The purpose of the Anti-VEGF injection is to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels behind the retina to slow down the progression of the disease.

Various tests are performed to detect AMD of which the Amsler Grid test is the most common one. The Amsler Grid is a chart that detects any defects in your central vision. Another test that may be performed is ophthalmoscopy or fundus photography. These tests will help your eye care professional to detect any abnormalities on the retina. If further investigation is needed you will be referred to a hospital for further testing and analysis.

Here Are Some Risk Factors For AMD:

• Age: Age is a major risk factor for developing AMD and it is most likely to occur after the age of 60, but can occur earlier.
• Smoking: Research has shown that smoking doubles the risk of developing Macular Degeneration.
• Race and Gender: AMD is more common among Caucasians than African-Americans or Hispanics. It occurs more in females than males.
• Family History And Genetics: If there is a family history of AMD you are at higher risk. Researches have identified 20 genes that can affect the risk of developing Macular Degeneration.
• Lifestyle: With increased usage of electronic gadgets and exposure to fluorescent and LEDs, your exposure to blue light (which is part of visible light) has gone up multi-fold. The fact that blue light penetrates all the way to the Retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) is important, because studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light over a period of time can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina. Macula is the area in the Retina where maximum vision of the person is achieved. This causes changes that resemble those of Macular Degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Many eye care providers are concerned that the added blue light exposure from computer screens, smartphones and other digital devices might increase a person's risk of AMD later in life. The situation gets worsened as infants and children are increasingly being exposed to digital devices like mobile phones, tablets, etc. on a regular basis.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing AMD.