Degeneration of the retina of the retina: symptoms and treatment

The inner far part of the eye is covered with a special tissue. It is called the retina. This fabric sends and receives visual signals. Part of the retina is a yellow spot. It is responsible for the stability of central vision. With the appearance of certain ophthalmologic pathologies, vision can be impaired until its gradual loss. One of these diseases is macular degeneration. Next, we will consider what this pathology is, how it manifests itself and how dangerous it is.

General information

Old age macular degeneration - what is it? In general, the pathology is characterized by a deterioration in the state of the cells that make up this region. Degeneration of the macula (both eyes or one), as a rule, appears in the elderly. Very rarely pathology is diagnosed in young people. In connection with this, the disease is often referred to as senile macular degeneration. Consider the ailment in more detail.

Classification

The degeneration of the macula can be of two types:

• Neovascular (wet). In this case, degeneration is provoked by the proliferating blood vessels of the retina. Quite often they give a leakage of fluid and blood. These processes can lead to irreversible damage in the macular area. The neovascular form is diagnosed only in 10% of patients suffering from ailment. However, this type of pathology accounts for the greatest number of cases of complete loss of vision.
• Atrophic (dry). In this case, as a reason, experts indicate the gradual death of cells that have photosensitivity. It also provokes a loss of vision. Atrophic form of macular degeneration accounts for the majority of cases as a whole (about 90%).

Causes

Why does macular degeneration occur? Experts have not yet established the exact causes of this pathology. There are many different versions. Some of them are confirmed by research and observation, some remain at the level of theories. Thus, a number of specialists say that if a certain mineral compounds and vitamins are deficient, a person becomes more susceptible to the development of the disease. For example, in a number of studies it has been established that the likelihood that dystrophy of the macula will occur increases several times in the absence of vitamins E and C, antioxidants. Of great importance is the lack of zinc (it is present in the body, but concentrated in the field of vision), as well as zeaxanthin and carotenoids of lutein. The latter are the pigments of the very yellow spot itself. As one of the provoking factors, specialists call cytomegalovirus a person. Some researchers argue that the development of pathology is very conducive to a diet in which the level of saturated fat is very high. Monounsaturated compounds are considered potentially protective. In accordance with some observations, it has been established that it is possible to reduce the probability of occurrence of pathology by the intake of ω-3 fatty acids. Based on the results of more than ten studies, a statistically significant association between makulodystrophy and smoking was revealed. In this case, the probability of the appearance of pathology rises by 2-3 times in abusing nicotine (compared to persons who have never smoked). However, in the course of five studies, communications were not found.

Risk factors

The probability of the appearance of pathology increases under certain conditions. The most common risk factors include:

• age;
• The presence of relatives who have suffered or have a disease;
• Belonging to the white race;
• smoking;
• Belonging to the female sex;
• Violations of the cardiovascular system (for example, they include increased concentration of cholesterol, high blood pressure).

Macular degeneration: symptoms

The manifestation of pathology in all patients is different. For example, in some patients macular degeneration can develop slowly enough. In other patients, on the contrary, the course of the disease is rapid, which leads to a significant deterioration in vision. Soreness does not accompany either wet or dry form of pathology. Among the main symptoms of macular degeneration are:

• Blurred vision;
• Distortion of straight lines (for example, the contours of the doorway may appear curved);
• Complexity in the process of considering the details (when reading, for example);
• The presence of a small black dot in the center of the field of view, which in time increases in size.

Diagnostic measures

Suspicions for the appearance of degeneration may appear in the specialist when examining an elderly patient who complains of a decreased vision. Special pupils are used to dilate the pupils. Thanks to this manipulation, the back of the eye becomes accessible for inspection. In the process of diagnosis, the Amsler test is also used - a sheet with a grid and a black dot in the middle. If, during the examination of the central mark, the cell lines appear curved (distorted), then this may indicate a pathology.

Macular degeneration: treatment

As practice shows, in most cases, any therapeutic measures are not carried out. Some patients, however, with a dry form of pathology are assigned a low-intensity, or threshold, laser exposure. Its essence consists in the removal, with the help of moderate doses, of Drusus radiation (specific yellowish deposits). Until recently, with a wet form of pathology, a method of photodynamic therapy using the "Visudin" agent was used. The drug is administered to the patient intravenously. From the systemic blood flow, the drug is selectively absorbed exclusively by newly formed regional vessels. Thus, the agent "Visudin" practically does not affect the pigment epithelium in the retina. Together with the use of the drug, a laser therapy session is performed. The procedure is carried out under computer control. Low-intensity radiation is directed to the area of the neovascular membrane (an optical fiber device is used for this). Pathologically dangerous vessels empty and begin to stick together. As a result, hemorrhages stop. As practice shows, the therapeutic effect persists for 1-1,5 years.

Modern therapeutic methods

In the course of the research a medicament "Ranibizumab" was created. The agent is intended for administration into the eye cavity. The drug suppresses the activity and development of newly formed vessels and neovascular subretinal membranes. As a result, vision not only stabilizes, but in a number of cases it significantly improves. Typically, five injections per year are sufficient. The therapeutic course lasts two years. Even after the first injection, most patients have improved vision. The use of the drug "Ranibizumab" is allowed in both dry and wet forms of pathology. The indications include diabetic retinopathy. The agent can be used in conjunction with photodynamic therapy.

Preventive actions

A person can not stop the aging process and return the age. But it is quite possible to exclude a number of risk factors. For example, give up smoking. Great importance in the prevention of pathology is the environment. Experts do not recommend going out in the middle of a hot day. If there is such a need, then the eyes should be protected from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Of no small importance is the diet. When eating foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fats, the risk of macular degeneration is significantly increased. In this case, the consumption of fish and nuts reduces the risk. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to eat cabbage, spinach.