Macular Degeneration is a common age-related eye condition that is progressive in its nature.
It affects the macula, which is a part of the retina and is present at the back of one’s eyes.
Since it affects the macula, it creates problems in the central vision and can cause blindness in this part of the vision.
A person can experience Macular Degeneration in one or both eyes simultaneously.
Although there is no cure for the condition, there are several treatments to slow down its progression.
Let us discuss every important fact there is to know about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in this article.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two main types of Macular Degeneration, which include Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration and Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that Dry Macular Degeneration is very common.
About 80% of people with AMD experience it in the dry form, and its progression is gradual.
In Dry AMD, the macula gets thin with one’s age, breaks down and creates lumps of protein, which blocks one’s central vision.
Wet Macular Degeneration, also known as Advanced Neovascular AMD, is the less common type of the condition.
Any form of AMD can turn into Wet AMD since it is the later stage of Macular Degeneration.
In this type of AMD, there is abnormal growth of the blood vessels at the back of the eye, which damages the macula.
Unlike Dry AMD, the progression of this type happens quite faster and may cause vision loss.
Wet vs Dry Macular Degeneration
While both Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration cause damage to the macula, there are key differences between them.
Wet AMD happens due to abnormal growth of blood vessels, and dry AMD happens due to the breakdown and clumping of the macula.
While Wet AMD progresses rapidly, Dry AMD progresses gradually in the early, intermediate, and late stages.
Dry Macular Degeneration has no treatment options, but doctors may suggest certain preventive measures to reduce the progression.
However, there are treatment options available for the Wet Macular Degeneration.
If you want to learn more about the differences between Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration in detail, read Understanding Wet vs Dry Macular Degeneration: A Comprehensive Guide.
Macular Degeneration Symptoms
Source: pixelshotAccording to a study, individuals experiencing Macular Degeneration may notice symptoms like blurry vision.
Their vision can also get distorted, especially their near and central vision.
The affected person may find it difficult to read or recognize faces due to distorted images.
In some cases, individuals may also notice Pigment Epithelial Detachment as a symptom.
Some people may also experience sensitivity to light (photophobia) and reduced color sensitivity.
Do you want to learn more about the symptoms of Macular Degeneration? Read Understanding Macular Degeneration Symptoms and Signs.
What Causes Macular Degeneration
As the name Age-related Macular Degeneration states, aging is one of the most common causes of the condition.
According to research, genetics or having a family history can cause Macular Degeneration.
Smoking is one of the major risk factors that can result in AMD in some individuals.
The risk of experiencing Macular Degeneration also increases with excessive alcohol consumption.
Another major cause of Macular Degeneration is prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV rays.
Hypertension or high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can result in this condition.
Are you curious to learn more about the causes of Macular Degeneration? Read What Causes Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Since Macular Degeneration can lead to the loss of central vision, it is important to learn about its treatments.
Although there are no treatments for Macular Degeneration in the dry form, individuals can take preventive measures to slow down its progression.
However, there are certain medications that can help treat Wet AMD.
Let us discuss the available treatments for Age-related Macular Degeneration in detail.
Natural Treatment of Macular Degeneration
Source: stock_colors_from_Getty_ImagesDoctors often suggest avoiding smoking and drinking in order to reduce the progression of AMD.
Wearing sunglasses and maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol can also prove to be beneficial.
Some doctors may prescribe Vitamin A, C, and E supplements to reduce the risk of the condition effectively.
The supplementation of Zinc can also prove to be beneficial in treating advanced Macular Degeneration.
People can also perform regular exercises to help in treating the symptoms.
Do you want to learn more about vitamin supplements for AMD? Read Unlocking Clarity: The Comprehensive Guide to Eye Vitamins for Macular Degeneration.
Macular Degeneration Medication
Doctors may suggest using anti-VEGF medications for Wet AMD, which block the production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) protein.
This medication can help improve one’s vision effectively and reduce the progression.
The anti-VEGF drugs also effectively stop the abnormal growth of blood vessels in Wet AMD.
According to clinical trials, injection of Pegcetacoplan and Avacincaptad Pegol can reduce the growth of Dry AMD.
However, these are still not proven medications for this condition and should be used with excessive caution.
If you want to learn about the medications for Macular Degeneration in detail, read Macular Degeneration Medications: Navigating Treatment Options.
Conclusion
Macular Degeneration, also called Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), usually has two types.
It includes Dry and Wet AMB, which can cause symptoms like blurry or distorted vision, photophobia, and decreased color sensitivity.
A person may experience this condition due to aging, UV exposure, smoking, drinking, Hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Doctors may suggest anti-VEGF drugs to treat Wet AMD, while for Dry AMD, medications like Pegcetacoplan and Avacincaptad Pegol can be effective.
However, it is always recommended to consult your doctor to receive the best treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods should be avoided with Macular Degeneration?
The foods to avoid with Macular Degeneration include processed foods with fats, high-fat dairy products, sugary food, fried items, and excessive red meat.
How common is Macular Degeneration in the U.S.?
Macular Degeneration is a very common eye problem in the U.S. About 20 million people in the United States have Macular Degeneration, and the number is high for global counts.
How to reverse Macular Degeneration naturally?
It is not possible to reverse Macular Degeneration naturally. However, lifestyle changes, using nutritional supplements, and maintaining a proper healthy diet can help reduce the risk of AMD and slow down its progress.
How long does it take to lose vision with Macular Degeneration?
The duration of vision loss with Macular Degeneration depends on the individual and the type of the condition. While the condition may progress slowly over the years in the case of Dry AMD, the progression is faster for Wet AMD.
How do doctors conduct Macular Degeneration tests?
Doctors may use certain eye drops to dilate the eyes and check for Macular Degeneration in a person. They may also use imaging tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Fluorescein Angiography.
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