Good eye health is crucial to a person's wellbeing and quality of life, which is why it needs to be carefully monitored and cared for. Eyes can be affected by many types of conditions, which is why it is vital they are checked regularly by optometrists and other specialists if required. One common eye disease is macular degeneration, which causes loss of vision. Here is what you need to know about macular degeneration, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment:
What is macular degeneration?
This eye disease causes vision loss, which usually begins at the centre of the eye. It is caused by a thinning macula, which is part of the eye which detects light due to its high level of photoreceptor cells. There are two types of macular degeneration, which includes the dry and wet type. The dry type is usually much less severe and progresses slower, while the wet type is more aggressive and can eventually lead to total blindness.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
In the very early stages of macular degeneration, it is difficult to notice any symptoms. As the disease progresses, a common symptom is blurry vision. Other signs include seeing spots, experiencing poorer vision in dim light settings, seeing straight lines as bent or distorted and the appearance of new blood vessels.
What causes macular degeneration?
Research hasn't pinpointed exactly what causes this disease. Genetics has been found to play a part, as well as certain lifestyle factors such as heavy drinking and smoking. A person's risk of getting the disease increases after they reach 50 years old.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
Dilated eye assessments can detect macular degeneration. This is usually performed by optometrists, where they take a detailed look at the inside of the eye by dilating the pupils using eye drops. Even if people don't experience symptoms, it is still vital to regularly visit an optometrist for an eye examination every 1-2 years. This is because early detection of any eye disease is crucial.
Are there treatments available?
While there is no cure for this disease, there are treatments aimed at managing the disease so it progresses slowly and does not lead to complete vision loss. The earlier the treatment the better. Treatment for dry macular degeneration is more lifestyle-related and can include supplementing with certain vitamins and making lifestyles changes such as dietary changes and quitting smoking. The wet type treatment involves regular eye injections aimed at stopping the leaking of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease which needs proper treatment throughout ones lifespan. The earlier this disease is detected, the better chance of it being managed to prevent total vision loss.