Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Retinal degeneration is a condition caused by abnormalities in the retina, a vital organ for vision. Patients often begin to experience symptoms such as blurred vision, distorted images, or a black spot in the center of their vision, which are considered signs of retinal degeneration. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Some people may confuse it with other eye diseases such as corneal degeneration or retinal detachment, which have similar symptoms. Therefore, understanding the symptoms and seeking examination from an ophthalmologist is important. Therefore, timely prevention and treatment are crucial.

What is the retina? The importance of the retina

          The retina is a very thin and complex layer of tissue located at the innermost part of the eyeball. It functions like the film of a camera, receiving light that passes through the cornea and lens and converting it into nerve signals that are sent to the brain to be interpreted as the images we see.

The structure of the retina consists of two important types of photoreceptor cells:

1. Rods&bsp;– work well in the dark, helping with night vision and peripheral vision.
2. Cones&bsp;– It works well in bright light, allowing us to see details and distinguish colors.

   The most important area of ​​the retina is the macula, which contains the largest number of cone cells, enabling us to see clearly in the center of the image. If the macula degenerates, it will cause macular degeneration.

   Retinal abnormalities come in many forms, not only this disease but also retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina separates from the supporting layer, resulting in sudden vision loss. Unlike corneal degeneration, which affects the cornea, the front layer of the eye, although the location of the damage is different, all types of corneal degeneration affect vision quality. The retina plays a crucial role. Even minor damage to the retina can significantly impact daily life, from reading to seeing the face of a loved one. And this is why age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is something that should not be overlooked.

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   What is macular degeneration?

   Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that occurs when the central part of the retina deteriorates with age or other factors, causing central vision to become blurry or distorted. Patients may still have good peripheral vision but will be unable to focus on the center, which is a major problem for daily activities such as reading and using a computer. or driving.

   This disease is divided into 2 main types:

   1. Dry Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)
      
      • Most common
      • Caused by the accumulation of a substance called drusen under the retina, causing nerve cells to degenerate gradually.
      • The disease progresses slowly, but if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
   2. Wet Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)
      
      • Less common, but more severe.
      • Caused by the abnormal formation of blood vessels under the retina. These blood vessels are fragile and leaky, allowing blood or fluid to seep into the macula.
      • This results in rapid vision loss.

   Many patients mistakenly believe that these symptoms are just common eye abnormalities, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. But in reality, it is a sign of macular degeneration, a condition that requires diagnosis by a specialist. Early detection is key to preserving vision for as long as possible.

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   Causes of Macular Degeneration

   Macular degeneration is a condition involving multiple factors, both internal and lifestyle. There is no single definitive answer as to its cause, but researchers and doctors confirm that several risk factors contribute to the disease's onset and rapid progression.

   1. Age

   Increasing age is the most significant factor associated with the development of this disease. People over 50 years of age have a much higher chance of developing macular degeneration than younger people, as the structure of the retina deteriorates over time. Reduced blood and nutrient circulation, decreased function of photoreceptor cells, and the accumulation of deposits under the retina.

   2. Genetics

   Having a family history of this disease significantly increases the risk. Scientists have found that certain genes are involved in the development of macular degeneration; a family history greatly increases the risk.

   3. Lifestyle