The retina of the eye, diseases of which significantly affect our livelihoods, is a very important element that ensures correct and good vision. Without it, the image could not be designed and transformed. Simply put, we would not see anything. Naturally, if you notice any symptoms of retinal disease, you must definitely start treatment.
Macular degeneration: a characteristic of the disease
First you need to understand what a "macula" is. This is the photosensitive layer of the retina, which is located in its center. Thanks to her, you can clearly see those objects that are in front of the eyes. That is, if it is damaged, then you are unlikely to be able to read and write normally. Thanks to this element, you can also distinguish colors and shades. The macula consists of photosensitive cells. Their feature is that they are not insured against damage.
Retinal macular degeneration is a pathology that is characterized by central vision damage. In principle, it does not cause complete blindness. In addition, the pathology is often manifested in both eyes, and unevenly, so you can not immediately notice the onset of the disease.
The retina of the eye, diseases of which worsen the quality of life, does not hurt with this ailment. It should be noted that in women the presented pathology is much more common. In addition, it develops already in old age.
Causes of the disease
Among the factors that can provoke the presented pathology, the following should be highlighted:
- improper nutrition (if the body is provided with all the necessary trace elements and vitamins, the progression of the disease can slow down significantly or stop altogether);
- ultraviolet rays (sunlight can damage the retina);
- hereditary predisposition;
- poor hygiene and eye strain;
- bad habits (smoking);
- any disease of the circulatory system.
Retinal diseases, the treatment of which must be thorough and timely, can have complex consequences. Try not to deal with the independent elimination and diagnosis of pathology. See a doctor.
Symptoms of pathology
Retinal macular degeneration is characterized by such signs:
- distortion and deterioration of central vision, and it appears gradually or very sharply;
- difficulties while writing or reading;
- depending on the form of the pathology, you can see either a blind dark spot or curved lines instead of straight lines;
- lack of pain;
- difficulty in adapting vision in the dark;
- with the development of pathology, it becomes difficult for the patient to distinguish people's faces.
Sometimes, if macular degeneration of the retina is severely neglected, hallucinations may occur in a person that are in no way related to his mental state.
Pathology diagnostics
This procedure is not difficult. Naturally, it should be done by an experienced ophthalmologist using various techniques and devices. For example, a specialist must make an examination of
the fundus of the eyeball in order to clarify the diagnosis. For this, the doctor often uses special drops to dilate and relax the pupil.
In addition, the Amsler mesh is used for the examination, as well as fluorescence angiography. It is also possible to use computer-based methods for determining the diagnosis. Usually the inspection procedure does not take more than 15 minutes. Any ophthalmologist can conduct it, since he often does not need special equipment.
Types of disease
It must be said that retinal macular degeneration can have two forms: dry and wet. Each of them has its own characteristics. For example, the first type is determined much more often than the second, but its treatment is more difficult. In addition, the dry form develops gradually and during detection is often very neglected. A feature of this type of disease is that doctors still do not quite know how it can be treated. However, in any case, experts advise adjusting their diet so that the optimal amount of antioxidants, vitamins A and E is present in the diet. With dry maculopathy, complete dystrophy of the central part of the retina occurs.
There is another type of pathology. Retinal macular degeneration - a wet form of this disease - is characterized by the fact that it develops very rapidly, but it occurs in only 10% of all cases known today. The reason for the appearance of this form of pathology is the development of additional blood vessels behind the retina. Moreover, they have very fragile walls, therefore hemorrhages in the eye cavity are frequent. In addition, connective tissue quickly grows behind the retina, which contributes to visual impairment.
It should be noted that the wet form of the pathology can be cured if it is detected at an early stage of development.
There is another type of this pathology - senile macular degeneration. It is characterized by the fact that the blood vessels of the eye begin to become thinner and more fragile. In this case, the nutrition of the visual organ deteriorates significantly, and the efficiency of the macula decreases.
Features of the traditional treatment of the disease
There are specially developed methods for eliminating the presented visual organ defect. Naturally, treatment becomes effective if the pathology was detected in time. If you have maculopathy, the causes of its appearance (their analysis) will help to prescribe the correct therapy. An experienced doctor should deal with the elimination of the disease. Alternative methods of treatment are not a panacea in this case, however, they can be an addition to traditional therapy.
In addition, specialists can use the special drug "Lucentis", which helps eliminate macular edema and prevents new vessels from appearing behind the retina. Naturally, such a medicine must be administered inside the eye. Symptomatic therapy is also used, that is, the elimination of lacrimation, eye washing to relieve inflammation. You should also take medications that help dilate and strengthen blood vessels.
The dry form of the disease is practically not treatable today.
Do I need to have surgery?
If the disease is very neglected and greatly complicates a person’s life, then surgery is possible. However, they do it in some cases in the absence of contraindications. Often in modern clinics, laser therapy is used with the simultaneous use of the drug "Visudin", which is injected into the eye before the intervention and helps increase the sensitivity of blood vessels to radiation. Thanks to this procedure, the area of damage to the visual cells is significantly reduced.
Photodynamic therapy gives a good effect. As for surgical intervention, now this method is still being finalized and tested. For example, doctors are investigating the effectiveness of removing membranes from newly formed vessels. Naturally, all these processes are very subtle and time-consuming, so a good specialist should conduct them.
Pathology Prevention
Retinal macular degeneration, the treatment of which gives an effect only if all the doctor's prescriptions are followed, is a complex disease. Naturally, measures should be taken that reduce the development of pathology or prevent its appearance. For example, you should adjust the mode and quality of food. Do not walk in open sunlight without dimming glasses (high quality!). Be sure to give up bad habits, especially smoking.
During reading, observe hygiene of vision, the room should be well lit. Try to choose the text written in medium and large print.