Macular degeneration of the retina

Description of macular degeneration of the retina

It called retinal tissue, that covers the innermost part of the eye. It receives and sends visual signals to the brain. The macula is a part of the retina. It is responsible for central vision. Macular degeneration is called the deterioration of its constituent cells. This causes a gradual loss of vision. The main cause of macular degeneration – aging. In rare cases, the disease can occur in young people.

There are two types of macular degeneration (DZHP):

• Dry (Atrophic) Macular Degeneration. The reason is the gradual withering away of the light-sensitive cells. This leads to a gradual loss of vision. For dry JP account for most cases of the disease (90%).
• Wet (Neovascular) macular degeneration is caused by blood vessels, begin to grow in the retina. They often produce a leak blood and fluid into the macula. This can lead to irreversible damage to the macular area. Neovascular suffer only 10% people with JP, but it accounts for most cases of blindness from this disease.

Causes

The causes of macular degeneration are unknown.

Risk factors

Factors which increase the risk of macular degeneration:

• Age: the risk increases with age (JP often suffer the elderly);
• The presence of family members with JP;
• Race: white;
• Smoking;
• Paul: female (increased risk of disease);
• Problems with the cardiovascular system: high blood pressure, high cholesterol.

Symptoms of macular degeneration

Some people develop very slow JP. In others the disease progresses faster, It can lead to severe vision loss. And dry, and wet-form JP do not cause pain.

Symptoms include JP:

• Blurred vision;
• The difficulties in considering the details, such as the face or the words in a book;
• Blurred vision, which is normal in bright light;
• A small black dot in the middle of the field of view, increases with time;
• Straight lines, eg, doorway, They seem to be bent or distorted.

Diagnosis of macular degeneration

The doctor may suspect JP, if the patient is observed in the elderly blurred vision. The doctor uses eye drops for pupil dilation. This allows to consider the back of the eye.

Also used test Amsler – leaf cells and a black dot in the center. When considering the central point of the grid lines appear distorted, it may be a sign of JP.

Treatment-related macular degeneration

For the treatment of macular degeneration, the following methods:

Dry macular degeneration

Studies have shown, that certain high doses of vitamins and minerals and may slow the progression of the disease in some people.

Wet macular degeneration

Laser photocoagulation

This procedure is used in some cases of wet JP. A laser beam destroyed growing vessels in the retina. Typically, the operation lasts less than 30 minutes. Thereafter, perhaps, We need additional laser therapy. With the development of new treatments for this procedure obsolete JP.

Fotodinamicheskaya therapy

In carrying out this procedure, a photosensitive dye is injected into the blood. Affected areas on the back of the eye are covered by special laser. The light activates the dye, and blood vessels, which cause JP, destroyed. The procedure also takes less than 30 minutes. Maybe, later, need additional treatment.

The inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor

Another way to treat wet macular degeneration is a special injection medicine, which is called vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor (VEGF) . The drug is injected into the vitreous body (fluid) INT eyes. This method is fast gaining popularity. The procedure usually must be repeated several times. About 1/3 of patients experience a significant improvement in vision.

Prevention of macular degeneration

There is no prevention methods JP. To maintain healthy vision must adhere to the following rules:

• Undergo regular check-ups by an ophthalmologist. It should also include examination of the retina;
• We need to quit smoking;
• Vkdyuchit necessary in the diet intake of multivitamins and antioxidants.

If you have macular degeneration can be controlled vision at home with the help of test Amsler.