People in South Africa over 50 suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common reason for blindness in this age group. The macula, located in the retina and essential for central vision, may get damaged due to this degenerative eye condition. Degeneration of the macula, the retinal region responsible for sharp central vision, is a distinctive sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Dry AMD and wet AMD are the two forms that AMD may take. Wet AMD progresses quicker and has a more severe impact than dry AMD, which is more frequent but develops slower. Vision loss or distortion is a common symptom of dry AMD, which occurs when the macula thins down and loses its ability to function normally. Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the growth of aberrant blood vessels beneath the retina, which leads to harm to the macula and a fast decline in central vision.
In the initial stages of AMD, you may not notice any symptoms at all, but as the illness advances, you could experience the following symptoms:
Since AMD may swiftly worsen and inflict irreversible damage, it is critical to have routine eye examinations to diagnose the condition in its earliest stages.
It is still uncertain what causes AMD; however, researchers think a confluence of hereditary and environmental variables is to blame. The most critical risk factor for getting AMD is age since the condition is more prevalent in those who have reached the age of 50 or are older. Additional potential dangers include the following:
The risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be minimized by eating a diet abundant in vegetables and fruits, mainly fish and leafy greens.
Age is the leading risk factor for AMD, as the disease is more common in people over 50. Other risk factors include:
Visual acuity testing, an eye exam with the pupil dilated, and imaging tests, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography, are all part of a thorough eye exam necessary for diagnosing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Founding AMD earlier provides a greater possibility of maintaining eyesight and reducing the disease’s development. Some of the complications of AMD are as follows:
While there is no cure for AMD, there are treatments that can slow its progression and help preserve vision. Treatment options include:
Injections
Injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, often known as anti-VEGF, are a treatment option for wet age-related macular degeneration. In addition, these injections may help reduce the formation of aberrant blood vessels.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, which can help destroy abnormal blood vessels in wet AMD
Vitamins and Minerals
Zinc and vitamin C are just two examples of the vitamins and minerals that may help reduce the onset of dry AMD
Not everyone with AMD develops it in both eyes. But if you do, living with vision loss from AMD can be challenging but there are things that can help like low vision devices and vision rehab services. This can help learn the skills needed to stay independent and active with low vision.