Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration AMD Diagnosis and Treatment in Fuengirola - Mijas
DR. SALVADOR NEBRO COBOS
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What is macular degeneration or AMD?
The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects the macula, the most important area of the retina, as it is where the highest concentration of photoreceptors (the cells that react to light stimuli) is located and is responsible for central vision. It is the most common cause of blindness in the over 65s in developed countries, although it can also affect people under the age of 60.
Types of macular degeneration
Dry macular degeneration: is the most frequently occurring (85% of cases), and follows an evolutionary pattern slow over the years.
Wet macular degeneration: although less frequent, this variant follows a rapid course and damages retinal cells in a much more severe way. faster and more aggressive. It is called "wet" because of the growth of abnormal vessels (known as "neovascular membranes") that bleed and severely damage retinal tissues.
Symptoms of macular degeneration
Blurred vision
This is the most common symptom. There is a slow, progressive loss of vision from the age of 60 onwards.
Crooked lines
(also called "metamorphopsias"): these are very specific symptoms of damage to the macula.
Central black spot
Central black spot: a fixed spot or "scotoma" may occur in advanced cases of dry macular degeneration or as a consequence of bleeding in the wet variant.
Causes of macular degeneration
The macular degeneration is caused by damage to and loss of the cells that form the macula.the most important area of the retina, responsible for correct visual acuity. It is not known exactly what causes this damage, although the most recent studies point to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle.
Risk factors: age, Caucasian race, family history of macular degeneration, tobacco use, obesity and high blood pressure are the most important risk factors for the disease.
Diagnosis of macular degeneration
Our Ophthalmology practice located in Calle Marbella, in the centre of Fuengirola has the latest clinical technology for the diagnosis of macular degeneration for the best possible treatment in each case.
Visual acuity test.
A visual acuity test provides diagnostic guidance and helps us to monitor the disease.
OCT Optical Coherence Tomography
The OCT is the most widely used test today for the diagnosis and study of macula degenerationr. By capturing high-resolution images, we can analyse all the layers of the retina and differentiate between healthy and damaged layers, localising lesions and allowing us to plan treatment with greater precision.
Fluorescein angiography
The fluorescein angiography involves the injection of an intravenous contrast (called fluorescein), followed by fundus imaging. It can help us to make a diagnosis in doubtful cases.
Amsler test
This is a quick screening test that we practise in the practice and teach you how to practise at home. By looking at a grid of square cells, we can make an approximation of how the function is found.
Treatment of macular degeneration
Injections for macular degeneration
The intraocular or intravitreal injections are the most effective route of treatment for wet macular degeneration.. In order to guarantee the correct sterility, it is performed in the operating theatre or in clean rooms, without the need for fasting or preoperative care. Thanks to the use of anaesthetic eye drops, it is painless for the patient and is carried out simply and safely in just a few minutes.
Currently, the most widely used anti-angiogenic drugs for macular degeneration are ranibizumab and aflibercept.
Macular Degeneration: Latest Developments
Recently, the effect of photobiomodulation is being studied for the treatment of wet and dry macular degeneration.
As far as the fAs of today, no drug has been developed that surpasses the efficacy and safety of those currently used for the treatment of wet macular degeneration.
What to take for macular degeneration?
Certain dietary supplements rich in antioxidants and molecules such as zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin have been clinically shown to benefit in slowing the disease and reducing the risk of conversion to wet macular degeneration, the most aggressive variant of macular degeneration.
Prevention of macular degeneration
Although this disease has an important genetic burden, we must avoid aggravating factors such as smoking, being overweight, and eating a diet rich in antioxidants.
Regular visits to the ophthalmologist are recommended in order to diagnose early cases.assess the progression of the disease and initiate treatment when necessary. Remember the Dr. Salvador Nebro Cobos is an excellent Ophthalmologist in Fuengirola with a great prestige among the residents of Fuengirola, Mijas and Costa del Sol who has gained a great popularity for his excellent humanism and results.
Frequently asked questions about macular degeneration
What does it look like with macular degeneration?
In most cases there is a progressive loss of visual acuity (central vision) over the years. In more advanced cases, distortion of object shapes ("metamorphopsia") such as seeing crooked lines may occur. In later stages, central vision is severely affected, but the patient will retain peripheral vision.
How to treat macular degeneration?
Treatment with intraocular injections (anti-angiogenic or anti-VEGF drugs) is indicated for the wet variant of the disease. The "dry" variant has no effective treatment at present, although antioxidant supplements and cessation of toxic habits such as smoking are usually recommended.
What causes macular degeneration?
To date, it is not known exactly what causes macular degeneration. It is thought that the genetic make-up of each individual, together with certain environmental factors such as smoking, obesity and excessive exposure to sunlight, among others, contribute to the development of the disease and its worsening.
What should I do if I have macular degeneration?
It is important to classify and stage the disease by means of an examination of the fundus and complementary tests such as OCT (optical coherence tomography) in order to establish an appropriate interval of visits to diagnose worsening of the disease and initiate treatment if necessary.
Are macular degeneration and glaucoma the same thing?
It is not. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve which, in terminal cases, can lead to complete blindness. In macular degeneration, on the other hand, the macula is affected, and in terminal stages peripheral vision will remain.
Why does macular degeneration occur?
In macular degeneration, the photoreceptors (light-sensitive cells) of the macula are damaged, progressively producing a loss of central vision. Although the exact mechanism by which these cells are damaged is unknown, genetic predisposition together with certain external factors (mainly smoking and obesity) are closely related to the development and aggravation of the disease.
How can macular degeneration be prevented?
Although there is no way to completely avoid the development of the disease, we can reduce the risk of the appearance and progression of macular generation by abandoning toxic habits, following a Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants and with adequate protection from solar radiation.
How can macular degeneration be prevented?
There is currently no treatment that can prevent the development of macular degeneration. However, by making changes in our lifestyle and following check-ups at the doctor's office, we can slow down the development of the disease.
How to detect macular degeneration?
To detect very early to advanced cases of macular degeneration, we use a fundus examination together with optical coherence tomography (OCT) image analysis.