Macular Disease

The macula is the central portion of the retina, and 90% of photoreceptors are concentrated in the macula.
Macular disease is called macular degeneration.

Cause

The majority of patients aged over 60, but young people may also have the disease. The main reason of macular degeneration is the leakage of blood vessels under the retina, or damages of photoreceptors due to abnormal blood vessels grow, in which resulting in impaired vision.


Symptoms

  • Acuity of central visual
  • Difficulty in color discrimination
  • Distortions in the appearance of lines
  • Darkening of the center of vision, or even dark shadows shown

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you may contact the ophthalmologist to receive proper treatment as soon as possible.



Examination

Self Check-up; AMSLER GRID

This is a simple self-examination method for age-related macular degeneration:


  1. Put the square in front of you 30cm away
    (Please put on glasses if you have presbyopia or myopia)
  2. Cover the right side with hand, pay attention to the black spot. And then change to cover the left side
  3. If you see straight lines→Normal vision
    If it is found that the line is bent or deformed→there is a chance that macular lesions have appeared

Treatment

There are 2 types: Dry Macular Degeneration (Atrophic) and Wet Macular Degeneration(Exudative).

Patients with dry macular degeneration may experience substantial functional limitations, including fluctuating vision in the early stage. In this case, eye condition must be closely monitored to avoid further deterioration to “wet” macular degeneration. If ophthalmologist diagnosed that there is a high chance of your “dry” macular degeneration turning to“wet” macular degeneration, mixed vitamins will be suggested to reduce 20-30% of chance of exacerbations. However, it must be advised by doctor to avoid excessive absorption.

Patients with wet macular degeneration, commonly used treatments include “photodynamic therapy” or “vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition” in the vitreous. The sooner you have found the condition and treat it appropriately, the higher chance you can save and restore your vision.

Instead, delayed treatment may cause irreversible damage to vision. Regular eye examination is required to reduce the chance of recurrence.


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