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Atrophic macular degeneration, also known as dry AMD, is a common form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It affects the center of the retina, which is responsible for central vision. While it does not cause total blindness, it can cause vision loss that affects daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for atrophic macular degeneration.
Causes of Atrophic Macular Degeneration
The exact cause of AMD is unknown, however, age and genetics are believed to play a role. Other factors that increase the risk of developing AMD include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a diet that is high in saturated fats.
Symptoms of Atrophic Macular Degeneration
The early stages of atrophic macular degeneration may not show any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces or reading
- Distorted vision
- Decreased color perception or contrasts
- Need for brighter light and increased magnification to read
Diagnosis of Atrophic Macular Degeneration
An eye doctor can diagnose atrophic macular degeneration by performing a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated eye exam and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) test, which shows detailed images of the retina.
Treatment of Atrophic Macular Degeneration
Currently, there is no cure for atrophic macular degeneration. However, certain lifestyle changes can prevent or slow down the progression of the disease, such as smoking cessation, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
In addition, there are some treatment options available that can help slow the disease's progression, such as:
- Vitamins and minerals supplements, such as those found in AREDS 2 formula, which contain antioxidants, zinc, and vitamins C and E.
- Low vision aids such as magnifying glasses, video magnifiers, or telescopes to help with visual tasks.
- Clinical trials for new treatments, such as stem cell therapy or gene therapy.
In some cases, advanced stages of atrophic macular degeneration may require laser surgery or injections of medication into the eye.
Conclusion
Atrophic macular degeneration is a common disease that affects the quality of life of many people, especially those above the age of 50. While there is no cure for the disease, making certain lifestyle changes and seeking treatment can help slow its progression and preserve vision.
If experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier or are above the age of 50, it is essential to visit an eye doctor to diagnose the condition and receive appropriate treatment.
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References:
1. Atrophic Macular Degeneration - National Eye Institute
2. Atrophic Macular Degeneration - Mayo Clinic
3. Atrophic Macular Degeneration - American Academy of Ophthalmology
4. Areds2 Research Group. (2013). The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2): Study Design and Baseline Characteristics (AREDS2 Report Number 1). Ophthalmology, 120(11), 1038–1045.
5. Van der Schaft, T. L., Mooy, C. M., de Bruijn, W. C., Oron, F. G., Mulder, P. G., & Pameyer, J. H. (1993). Histologic Features of the Early Stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Archives of Ophthalmology, 111(5), 594–599.
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