Macular Degeneration

The macula or yellow spot is the sharpest point of vision. However, due to increasing age and poor nutrition, it usually gradually scleroses and causes a disease called macular degeneration. It is the leading cause of practical blindness in individuals aged about 60 years. When diagnosed late, it can lead to blindness. Macular degeneration is slightly more common in women and risk factors include age, smoking, obesity, diabetes, heredity and poor lifestyle.

There are two types of macular degeneration.

Dry macular degeneration: A more common type of macular degeneration, it progresses more slowly and leads to the formation and accumulation of metabolites (called drusen) and the thinning and loss of functionality of light-sensitive cells in the sharpest place of vision. Symptoms include reduced vision at dusk and in the dark, blurred vision and inability to focus.

Wet macular degeneration: Less common, but progression is faster and more dramatic. It causes haemorrhage into the retina, fluid accumulation and swelling at the site of sharpest vision, often resulting in partial or complete loss of vision. Paradoxically, its symptoms are painless, the patient notices a reduced ability to read, recognise faces and fine details.

HOW TO TREAT MACULAR DEGENERATION
Despite modern treatment procedures, macular degeneration cannot currently be completely cured, but it can be stabilised or reduced through early detection and treatment. The problem, however, is that the patient may not recognise the symptoms at the beginning and it may be too late for effective treatment after the disease has fully manifested.

Vitamin preparations with high levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins E and C are used for dry macular degeneration. The best treatment of the wet form is prescribed by a doctor after a thorough examination and includes the following options:

Injections into the vitreous body: We try to prevent haemorrhage and swelling in the macular area through repeated administration of anti-growth factors (so-called anti-VEGF) or injections directly into the vitreous body.

Photodynamic therapy: After reaching the retina, a substance activated by laser radiation is administered directly into the patient’s vein. New blood vessels close at the site of damage to stabilise and suppress the disease. This type of treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Transpupillary therapy (TTT) or focal diode laser therapy or radiation therapy is now only indicated for some extra-foveal forms of the disease, i.e. when the disease does not affect the sharpest point of vision.

FOR WHOM SURGERY IS SUITABLE
As the disease is currently incurable, prevention is very important. It undoubtedly includes a healthy and balanced diet, plenty of exercise, avoiding smoking and protecting the eyes by wearing high-quality UV-filtering sunglasses.

Once the disease is discovered, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. The doctor decides on the form of treatment after a thorough preoperative examination. If you feel the first signs of macular degeneration, do not hesitate to make an appointment for an examination with our specialists immediately.