About 5mm in diameter, the macula is located in the centre of the retina. The macula enables a person to see the minute and fine details needed for different activities such as while reading or driving. It is responsible for most of our central vision and provides sharpness to the image that we see.
Macula also helps in seeing the colour and the finer details of the image while the retina takes care of the peripheral view (side view).
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease of the eye that causes blurred vision, especially lacking in the sharpness of what’s right in front of the eye. It is a degenerative condition – meaning that the vision slowly and gradually deteriorates progressing towards complete loss of vision.
Age-related Macular Degeneration is a common phenomenon among older people. One of the most common reasons for macular degeneration is age-related wear and tear. It is advisable to consult an eye doctor in Vadodara if you have blurry vision.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration can be of two types:
- Dry Macular Degeneration: Dry macular degeneration is slow but more common than the wet form. Dry macula is caused by the build-up of a layer of protein and fats under the macula.
- Wet Macular Degeneration: Wet macular degeneration begins in the dry stage and progresses rapidly into wet form with rapid and severe vision loss. The wet form of degeneration happens due to the unusual growth of blood vessels that leak fluid or blood in the macula. However, the wet form is more treatable than the dry one.
Consulting one of the best retina specialists in Vadodara is the best way to know if you have dry or wet macular degeneration.
Treatment for age related macular degeneration
The treatment depends upon the type of macular degeneration the patient has.
Dry Form: The dry form of macular degeneration doesn’t have any curable treatments. However, visual aids can help in reducing the effect of macular degeneration on the patient’s life. Other possible alternatives are vision rehabilitation programs and developing new ways to live with macular degeneration.
Wet Form: One way (and the most common way) of dealing with wet macular degeneration is regular anti-VEGF injections that can help in improving vision. Sometimes, photodynamic therapy may also be required to combat vision loss.
Let the best retina specialists in Vadodara decide the course of treatment so that the disease progression can be slowed down.
The main cause of macular degeneration
There’s no specific cause for macular degeneration. It may occur due to a combination of factors such as ethnicity, diet, obesity, environmental factors, etc. But the most common reason is due to the wear and tear of the eye organs.
Foods to avoid if you have macular degeneration
Eating foods that may lead to clogging of blood vessels is not recommended if you have macular degeneration.
Avoid eating –
- Processed foods
- High-fat dairy foods
- Foods containing trans-fats
- Foods containing high amounts of sugar
Eating green leafy vegetables, Omega-3 fatty acids, adding coloured vegetables to your diet, and seasonal fruits and vegetables will reduce the progression of macular degeneration.
At what age does macular degeneration usually begin?
There is no fixed age at which macular degeneration begins. However, it is commonly seen in patients aged 50 or more. Macular degeneration also varies from patient to patient and is dependent on many other factors such as battling high blood pressure for a long time, family history, ethnicity, being a smoker, being obese, and more. Having your eye tested regularly by an eye specialist in Vadodara after the age of 40 is recommended for better eye health.
FAQs
How long does it take for age-related macular degeneration to progress?
How Quickly Does Macular Degeneration Advance? The typical timeline for the progression of dry AMD from diagnosis to significant vision loss is several years, often within ten years.
Can age-related macular degeneration be cured?
There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), although treatment can halt the disease and prevent significant visual loss.
Can you drive if you have macular degeneration?
During the early stages of macular degeneration, you may be able to drive safely. Your eye doctor will advise you on how to control your symptoms so that you can drive safely. Even if you have to limit or stop driving, you can still stay active and do the activities you enjoy.