Early detection and treatment of macular degeneration reverses vision
loss and improves vision. Wet Macular Degeneration (WMD) causes vision loss in
the macula, the center of the eye’s vision field. Dry Macular Degeneration (DMD)
is more common and less severe. Symptoms of both conditions include vision
distortion, such as as straight lines appearing wavy or crooked, and decreased
color intensity. A doorway or street or sign might appear lopsided. Objects
appear smaller or further away than they really are. WMD often begins as the dry
type.
Risk factors for macular degeneration include smoking, obesity, high blood
pressure, elevated cholesterol, a diet lacking fruits and vegetables, and heart
disease. Macular degeneration doesn't
affect side (peripheral) vision. It usually doesn't cause blindness. It can,
however, diminish central vision, crucial for driving, reading, and recognizing
faces.
Diagnostic testing includes
a dilated eye exam and an Amsler Grid test, both of which detect central vision
distortion. A fluorescein angiogram
involves injecting dye into an arm vein to identify leaking blood
vessels. The procedure identifies blood vessels that could be associated with
WMD.
First line treatment includes Bevacizumab (Avastatin), a prescription
cholesterol lowering medicine. It prevents growth of new eye blood vessels and
is first-line treatment. Ranibizumab
(Lucentis), Pegaptanib (Macugen), and Aflibercept (Eylea) are medicines injected
into the eye. They partially recover vision loss and allow retinal (vision) cells
to regain function.
Photodynamic
therapy includes injection of verteporfin (Visudyne)
into an arm vein. It administers laser light to the affected blood vessels,
which activate the medication within the vessels. This causes the abnormal
blood vessels to close and stop leakage. Sometimes photodynamic therapy requires
repeat treatment.
Laser
photocoagulation is a high-energy beam that destroys
abnormal blood vessels under the macula, preventing further macula damage and
slowing vision loss. Ways to improve
vision skills without invasive treatment include magnifying devices, enlarging computer
font size, and brighter lights at home.
Use caution while driving. Consider public
transportation. Ask family members for help, especially for night driving.
Smoking cessation, taking required
medicines, regular exercise, and hypertension treatment are crucial. A healthy
diet full of fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants that reduce macular degeneration
risk. These include Omega-3 fatty acids, fish, and nuts.
Ask your eye doctor how often you
should undergo routine eye exams. A dilated eye exam can identify macular
degeneration.
Stop
smoking. Smokers are more likely to develop
macular degeneration than nonsmokers.
Source:
Questions or comments? Contact Dr. Clem at clementhanson.blogspot.com
