Macular degeneration occurs at a higher rate among people over 50 years and has become a significant concern associated with vision loss. However, AMD does not cause complete visual loss, it occurs in a progressive stage only. Hence, it is advised to have regular eye checkups to detect any abnormality in the visual field and obtain prompt treatment.
Macular degeneration is classified into two types: dry and wet age-related macular degeneration. Among them, dry age-related macular degeneration is the most frequently occurring type that causes diminishing of the macular regions due to age. The dry type of macular degeneration is progressive at three early, intermediate, and late stages, and the later advanced stage is usually tough to treat.
In contrast to dry macular degeneration, the wet type is only recognizable at the advanced stages and leads to rapid vision loss. Wet age-related macular degeneration is developed due to the abnormal formation of blood vessels under the retina, which then leads to rupture of blood vessels and causes leakage of blood or other fluid into the macula. This results in scarring of the macula and vision impairment. In most cases, the affected individuals notice the macular degeneration only after realizing the visual disturbances.
The symptoms are usually not noticeable at the early stages and become obvious at intermediate stages, including mild blurred vision and difficulty viewing in low lighting. However, the wet macular degeneration is characterized by visual distortion where the straight lines appear wavy, high visual disturbances in dim light and failure to recognize the bright colors, black spots, and fine details that are impaired to view.
Age-related macular degeneration is caused by a myriad of factors, including lifestyle factors such as consuming a high-fat diet, obesity, and smoking. Besides this, the risk of macular degeneration increases with age, and the risk of getting macular degeneration is greater if you have heart disease. In case you have a family history of age-related macular degeneration, it is advised that you get your eye check-up and screen for macular degeneration right after your 30s.
Macular degeneration shall be confirmed only by an ophthalmologist after conducting a dilated eye examination and investigating the visual field with the lens to identify the damage to the macular and retinal regions. Followed by this test, the Amsler grid will be performed to detect the defects in central vision. To have a clear picture of your eye internally, the doctor may conduct an optical coherence tomography.
If left untreated, macular degeneration can cause complications such as visual hallucinations. The treatment for age-related macular degeneration is based on the stages and type. For treating intermediate macular degeneration, health supplements and vitamins shall be helpful to prevent the progression of symptoms. However, to treat the advanced deterioration of the vision stages, few treatment options include anti-VEGF drugs to treat the wet age macular degeneration.
One of them is Aflibercept, a medication that works by inhibiting the growth of abnormal blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of rupture of blood vessels and preventing the leakage of blood and fluids into the macula. This medication is available as Eylea 4o mg injection in the market and it is to be administered by a registered medical practitioner. Before getting Eylea 40mg injection it is best that you discuss the benefits and risk in advance with your ophthalmologist to prevent any serious side effects. Until you are taking Eylea 40mg injection it is recommended that you avoid handling the machinery as it is considered unsafe.