Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a medical condition that leads to blurred or loss of vision in the center field of view. This condition usually affects older adults and results from damage to the macula, a small area near the center of the retina.

Classification

AMD is typically classified into two types: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular or exudative). The dry form is more common and is characterized by small yellow deposits, known as drusen, in the macula. Wet AMD, on the other hand, is less common but more serious, and it is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, which leak fluid and blood.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the initial phase and affects 85-90% of individuals with AMD. Its cause is due to aging and thinning of macular tissues, depositing of pigment in the macula or a combination of the two.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is more severe and affects 10-15% of individuals with AMD. Despite its rarity, it accounts for a significant proportion of all cases of severe vision loss in AMD.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of AMD include difficulty recognizing faces, distortion of straight lines, and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the risk of developing AMD, including age, genetics, race, smoking, and diet.

Pathophysiology

AMD is believed to be a complex disorder that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The condition is characterized by the presence of drusen and changes in the pigment of the retina.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of AMD can often be made based on the patient's symptoms and findings during an eye examination. Other tests, such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, can also be useful in confirming the diagnosis and determining the severity of the disease.

Management

While there is currently no cure for AMD, treatments can help slow its progression and improve quality of life. These treatments may include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy. For those with advanced disease, low-vision aids, such as special eyeglasses or electronic systems, can help to improve vision.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with AMD varies widely. Some people may retain good vision for a long time, while others may experience a rapid decline in vision.

Prevention

While AMD cannot be completely prevented, certain lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding smoking, can reduce the risk.

Epidemiology

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, affecting an estimated 8.7% of the worldwide population.

References

• Mayo Clinic - Macular DegenerationOverview of Age-Related Macular Degeneration</ref>
• National Eye Institute - Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Topics in Ophthalmology

• Macular degeneration (AMD)
• Amblyopia
• Anophthalmia and * Microphthalmia
• Astigmatism
• Blepharitis
• Cataract
• Color blindness
• Cornea and Corneal disease
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Dry eye
• Floaters
• Glaucoma
• Hyperopia
• Intracranial hypertension
• Low vision
• Macular edema
• Myopia
• Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis
• Presbyopia
• Refractive errors
• Retinal detachment
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Retinoblastoma
• Retinopathy of prematurity
• Uveitis
• Vitreous detachment

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R Rare Diseases Refractive Errors Refractive Errors, Facts About Regulation of Gene Expression Section Report on the NEI Audacious Goals Initiative: Regenerating the Optic Nerve Research at NEI Retinal Detachment Retinal Detachment, Facts About Retinal Disease Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology, Section on Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinitis Pigmentosa, Facts About Retinoblastoma Retinoblastoma, Facts About Retinopathy of Prematurity Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), Facts About S Sayer Vision Research Lecture and Award Series See Well for a Lifetime Toolkit—Module 1 See Well for a Lifetime Toolkit—Module 2 See Well for a Lifetime Toolkit—Module 3 Sensation, Cognition and Action Section Simulations, Eye Disease Symposium: Immunology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) T Third-Party Websites and Applications (TPWA)[2] U Usher Syndrome Usher Syndrome,Facts About Uveal Coloboma Uveal Coloboma, Facts About Uveitis Uveitis, Facts About V Vision-Related Terms--Selected Online Sources Vitreous Detachment Vitreous Detachment, Facts About W World Glaucoma Week Y You Could Have Glaucoma and Not Know it YouTube Videos

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