Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration is a disease which destroys
central vision in genetically predisposed people over 50, and is
the commonest cause of legal blindness in the western world.
There is a long period during the early phase of the condition
in which there are minimal symptoms but visible changes in the
retina. Vitamin and antioxidant preparations may slow disease
progression at this stage. Subsequently, one of two sight
threatening forms of disease can develop.
The "dry" form of disease produces slowly progressive erosion
of central vision through tissue loss, and is at present
untreatable, though stem cell therapy offers prospects for the
future. The "wet" form, in which there is abnormal blood vessel
growth in the retina, may cause sudden visual loss, often with
distortion, and can be treated with intraocular injections provided
the disease is identified sufficiently early in its course.
These injections, of antibodies to the chemical which stimulates
abnormal blood vessel formation, usually stabilise and may even
improve vision with repeated use. By contrast, sadly, for patients
with the dry form or advanced wet form disease, rehabilitation with
low vision aids may be the only assistance that can be
provided.
Information provided by Mr Jonathan
Dowler
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information provided through these pagess should not be used for
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substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may
have a health problem, you should consult your health care
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