The inner farthest part of the eye is covered with a special tissue. It is called the retina. This fabric sends and receives visual signals. The macula is a part of the retina. It is responsible for the stability of central vision. With the appearance of certain ophthalmic pathologies, vision may be impaired until its gradual loss. One such disease is macular degeneration. Next, we consider what this pathology is, how it manifests itself and why it is dangerous.
General information
Senile macular degeneration - what is it? In general, pathology is characterized by a deterioration in the state of the cells that make up this region. Macular degeneration (both eyes or one) usually occurs in older people. It is extremely rare that a pathology is diagnosed in young people. In this regard, the disease is often referred to as senile macular degeneration. Consider the disease in more detail.
Classification
Macular degeneration can be of two types:
- Neovascular (wet). In this case, degeneration is provoked by the expanding blood vessels of the retina. Quite often, they leak fluid and blood. These processes can lead to irreversible damage in the macular region. The neovascular form is diagnosed in only 10% of patients suffering from an ailment. However, this type of pathology accounts for the largest number of cases of complete loss of vision.
- Atrophic (dry). In this case, experts indicate the gradual death of cells with photosensitivity as the reason. It also provokes vision loss. The atrophic form of macular degeneration accounts for most of the cases as a whole (about 90%).
Causes
Why does macular degeneration appear? Experts still have not established the exact reasons for the development of this pathology. There are many different versions. Some of them are confirmed by research and observation, some remain at the level of theories. So, a number of experts argue that with a deficiency of certain mineral compounds and vitamins, a person becomes more susceptible to the development of the disease. For example, in a number of studies it was found that the likelihood that macular degeneration occurs will increase several times in the absence of vitamins E and C, antioxidants. Of great importance is the lack of zinc (it is present in the body, but is concentrated in the region of the organs of vision), as well as zeaxanthin and lutein carotenoids. The latter are the pigments of the macula itself.
As one of the provoking factors, experts call human cytomegalovirus. Some researchers claim that a diet in which the level of saturated fat is very high contributes to the development of pathology. Mono-unsaturated compounds are considered potentially protective. In accordance with some observations, it was found that it is possible to reduce the likelihood of pathology by taking ω-3 fatty acids. The results of more than ten studies revealed a statistically significant relationship between macular degeneration and smoking. In this case, the likelihood of pathology increases by 2-3 times in nicotine abusers (compared with people who have never smoked). However, in five studies, no association was found.
Risk factors
The likelihood of pathology increases under certain conditions. The most common risk factors include:
- age;
- the presence of relatives suffering or having a disease;
- Belonging to the white race;
- smoking;
- gender affiliation;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system (for example, they include an increased concentration of cholesterol, high blood pressure).
Macular Degeneration: Symptoms
The manifestation of pathology in all patients is different. For example, in some patients, macular degeneration can develop quite slowly. In other patients, on the contrary, the course of the disease is rapid, which leads to a significant visual impairment. Soreness does not accompany either a wet or dry form of pathology. Among the main symptoms of macular degeneration should be highlighted:
- blurred vision;
- distortion of straight lines (for example, the contours of the doorway may seem curved);
- difficulties in the process of considering details (when reading, for example);
- the presence of a small black dot in the center of the field of view, increasing in size over time.
Diagnostic measures
Suspicion of the appearance of degeneration may appear in the specialist when examining an elderly patient complaining of decreased vision. To dilate the pupils, special drops are used. Thanks to this manipulation, the back of the eye becomes accessible for inspection. In the process of diagnosis, the Amsler test is also used - a sheet with a grid and a black dot in the middle. If, in the process of considering the central mark, the cell lines appear curved (distorted), then this may indicate a pathology.
Macular Degeneration: Treatment
As practice shows, in most cases any therapeutic measures are not carried out. However, for some patients with a dry form of the pathology, a low-intensity, or threshold, laser action is prescribed. Its essence consists in the removal with the help of moderate doses of Druze radiation (specific yellowish deposits). Until recently, with a wet form of pathology, the method of photodynamic therapy using the Visudin agent was used. The drug is administered to the patient intravenously. From the systemic bloodstream, the drug is selectively absorbed exclusively by newly formed regional vessels. Thus, the tool "Visudin" practically does not affect the pigment epithelium in the retina. Together with the use of the drug, a laser therapy session is performed. The procedure is carried out under computer control. Low-intensity radiation is directed to the region of the neovascular membrane (an optical fiber device is used for this). Pathologically dangerous vessels start and stick together. As a result, hemorrhages stop. As practice shows, the therapeutic effect lasts for 1-1.5 years.
Modern therapeutic methods
In the course of research, the medicine "Ranibizumab" was created. The tool is intended for introduction into the eye cavity. The drug inhibits the activity and development of newly formed vessels and neovascular subretinal membranes. As a result, vision is not only stabilized, but in some cases is significantly improved. Five injections per year are usually sufficient. The therapeutic course lasts two years. After the first injection, most patients have an improvement in vision. The use of the drug "Ranibizumab" is allowed in both dry and wet forms of pathology. Indications also include diabetic retinopathy. The tool can be used in combination with photodynamic therapy.
Preventive actions
A person cannot stop the aging process and restore age. But it is quite possible to exclude a number of risk factors. For example, quit smoking. Of great importance in the prevention of pathology is the environment. Experts do not recommend to go outside in the middle of a hot day. If such a need arose, then the eyes should be protected from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Equally important is the diet. When eating foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fats, the risk of spot degeneration increases significantly. At the same time, eating fish and nuts reduces the risk. As a prophylaxis, fodder cabbage and spinach are recommended.