Wet Macular Degeneration

Macula degeneration (MD) is the degenerative condition of the eye’s macula or the central retina. Most commonly occurring in the USA, this condition affects people over 50 years of age. The condition is brought on by the hardening of the arteries which supplies blood to the retina. Due to the hardening, the retina’s sensitive tissues are deprived of vital nutrients and oxygen leading to malfunction and vision deterioration in the central part of the eye. Severity of the condition varies with some people only suffering partial distortion while some may lose complete central vision. Macula degeneration fortunately does not lead to complete blindness as the peripheral vision is not affected. Macular degeneration comes in two forms, dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration.

Wet Macular Degeneration, also known as neovascular degeneration, affects 10% of people suffering from MD. Wet Macular Degeneration occurs due to the new blood vessel formation. To supply oxygen to the deprived retinal tissues, new vessels are formed that are very delicate. These break easily and cause bleeding and also damage the surrounding vessels and tissues. Sometimes there is abnormal growth of blood vessels leading to the same problem. There are various factors leading to wet macular degeneration such as age, genetics, smoking, lack of nutrition and direct exposure to harsh sunlight. 

The usual signs of wet macular degeneration are sudden decrease in central vision, difficulty in reading or performing detailed tasks and vision distortion. Certified eye physicians can diagnose wet macular degeneration by an Amster grid test, vision testing, ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography and fundus photography. The medical therapy to cure wet macular degeneration is laser photocoagulation to prevent further damage to the eye, though the lost vision can never be restored. Laser photocoagulation seals the leaking and bleeding vessels preventing further loss of vision. The latest innovation in the treatment of wet macular degeneration is photodynamic therapy. This process stops the abnormal growth of blood vessels and is fast gaining popularity as the preferred method of treatment to cure wet macular degeneration. For any kind of treatment to be fully effective, early diagnosis of the condition is crucial as vision once lost can never be restored. Hence, people over 50 years of age should contact an ophthalmologist if they see any change in their vision. 

Prevention is better than a cure. Scientific studies have proved that the occurrence of wet macular degeneration was less in people who had diets high in green leafy vegetables and fruits, although the actual nutritional supplements that help prevent the condition has not yet been established. 

People who have been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration can improve their retinal health by a few lifestyle changes. 

The first would be to have an Amsler grid handy that could be used to check central vision daily, any changes should be reported immediately so that appropriate treatment can be started. 

Include a zinc based multi-vitamin supplement in your diet, preferably with the recommendation of your eye physician. Include good quantities of spinach, kale, collard greens and turnip greens in the diet. Quit smoking and exercise regularly. When out in the hot sun, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh UV exposure. 

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