{"id":660,"date":"2013-01-03T18:46:23","date_gmt":"2013-01-03T16:46:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aktis.com.cy\/?page_id=660"},"modified":"2016-06-07T09:59:35","modified_gmt":"2016-06-07T06:59:35","slug":"macular-degeneration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aktis.com.cy\/en\/eye-conditions\/macular-degeneration\/","title":{"rendered":"Macular degeneration"},"content":{"rendered":"

What exactly is the macula?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In fact, macula is the central part of the retinal layer (ocular fundus). It is responsible not only for central vision, but also allows us to see details with clarity (e.g. while reading), so named because of its yellowish appearance. When macula\u2019s functionality is affected, we receive dark or distorted stimuli in our central vision.<\/p>\n

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What exactly is the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and which are its main causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic ophthalmic condition that occurs with aging, basically in individuals over 60. Without doubt, it is one of the most dangerous reasons for vision loss worldwide. Elderly people have AMD, as result of normal aging. At the early stages of the disorder, some substance depositions, called Drusen, are observed underneath the retina. They can be visible (diagnosed) during an eye fundus ophthalmological examination. Much of the time Drusen do not lead to serious vision loss. But at the advanced stages of AMD, negative vision effect is tremendous (e.g. visual acuity may be less than 2\/10). AMD occurrence risk factors are: age, smoking, obesity, heredity and sunlight exposure. The main symptoms are metamorphopsia (distorted vision), contrast sensitivity deterioration and gradual visual acuity decrease.<\/p>\n

AMD forms:<\/strong><\/p>\n

-Dry AMD (non-exudative or non-neovascular):<\/strong> most common form and less dangerous (85-90% of cases), slowly progressive. Macular atrophy, aging and thinning are the main reasons for dry AMD. The main symptoms are scotomas in central vision field.<\/p>\n

-Wet AMD (exudative):<\/strong> Although rare (10-15% of cases), undoubtedly one of the leading causes for severe vision loss. Abnormal pathological vessels (neovessels) grow on the retinal layer, underneath the macula (choroidal neovascularization). Neovessels leak serous fluid and blood, destroying the photosensitive macular cells and this situation leads to central vision loss.<\/p>\n

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Dry AMD treatment:<\/strong><\/p>\n