Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is a condition of the macula or the area of maximum visual acuity of the retina. The macula is a small area of the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading or driving
symptoms
The first signs that should concern us are the disturbance of the central vision, the blurring of the vision and the perception of straight lines as crooked. This condition is not painful, it sets in slowly, and often the person is not aware of the change in vision. Although it can appear in both eyes at the same time and progress rapidly, it does not have to, it may initially affect only one eye and progress slowly.
DIAGNOSTIC
The diagnosis is made during an ophthalmological consultation and after carrying out specific investigations: visual acuity testing, eye pressure measurement, fundus examination, visual field examination, Amsler test, retinal tomography and angiography.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration:
1. DMLV – dry, atrophic form is the initial form of age-related macular degeneration; it is characterized by the appearance of drusen (accumulation of lipid material) which leads to thinning of the retina and alteration of visual function. The decrease in visual acuity is gradual. Signs and symptoms of the atrophic form:
- blurred distance/near vision
- the need for additional light to see up close
- colors are perceived more "washed out"
- difficulty/impossibility in recognizing people's faces
- the appearance of a black spot in the center of vision.
2. DMLV – exudative form it is also characterized by the appearance of the neovascular membrane (with abnormal blood vessels, through the walls of which fluids, lipids, blood leak - which are deposited and finally form a fibrovascular "scar" that leads to irreversible vision loss). Signs and symptoms of the exudative form:
- distorted vision straight lines appear curved, irregular, interrupted;
- dark gray spots in the visual field;
- loss of central vision;
- altering the perception of colors, shape and size of objects.
Symptoms usually get worse very quickly.
TREATMENT
It is important to note that there is currently no specific treatment to cure DMLV.
In dry, atrophic DMLV, a decrease in disease progression has been demonstrated using nutritional supplements (vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc oxide + copper), a diet rich in antioxidants, (blueberries, spinach, broccoli, fish) and by adopting a healthy lifestyle (moderate physical activity, balanced diet).
It is important to note that only about 10% of macular degenerations are exudative forms but also that about 75% of these cases cannot be treated. Patients who do not respond to treatment will NOT become completely blind (blindness), while still having functional peripheral vision.
In the form of exudative DMLV, the sooner the presence of the neovascular membrane is discovered and the sooner treatment is instituted, the better vision can be preserved. Treatment options are: intraocular injections of substances that inhibit the growth of abnormal vessels, laser treatment, and photodynamic therapy.
