Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment

Written by Vasileios Kozobolis, founder of the Hellenic Center for Research & Therapy of Eye Diseases (ELKETHOP)

Full Medical Biography

Macula

The retina is the layer of the eye primarily responsible for capturing visual information. The macula is located at the center of the retina and consists of a thin layer of light-sensitive nerve cells and fibers. Without the macula, we would not be able to perceive colors or many of the fine details of objects.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

No specific causes have been definitively identified for this condition. It typically occurs with aging, generally in people over 60, and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide.

In the early stages of the disease, there are usually no symptoms, and the doctor may detect the condition during a fundoscopic exam, observing deposits known as drusen. These deposits are not responsible for vision loss in the early stages, but in advanced stages, patients may be at risk of blindness or retaining only partial peripheral vision.

Risk Factors

Currently, the scientific community has not identified exact causes, so we can only list certain risk factors that appear to influence the degenerative condition:

• Diet can also influence the development of macular degeneration; diets rich in vitamins C, E, and A appear beneficial
• Female gender is more commonly affected
• Genetics plays a role, though AMD is not considered strictly hereditary
• Smoking increases the likelihood of developing AMD
• Chronic sun exposure may contribute

Symptoms

• Blurred vision
• A persistent dark spot in the center of vision
• Distorted vision (e.g., straight lines may appear wavy or bent)

Types of Macular Degeneration

The condition is classified into two main types: dry AMD and wet AMD.

• Dry AMD is the most common form. Its progression is slow, but it gradually leads to the loss of central vision over many years, leaving patients with primarily peripheral vision.
• Wet AMD occurs in a smaller number of cases. It is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) in the macula, which can cause swelling and bleeding.

Treatment & Management

Special dietary supplements with antioxidant properties and zinc have been observed to slow the progression of the disease in some patients. However, these supplements are not a treatment and cannot restore vision that has already been affected by the condition.

Photodynamic Therapies

Thermal lasers use a focused light beam to target and destroy abnormal blood vessels that cause macular damage.

Intraocular Injections

Injection of specific factors into the eye can limit the activity of pathological blood vessels, helping to maintain central vision.

Schedule a consultation with a surgical ophthalmologist to learn about treatment costs and receive a comprehensive, personalized eye examination.