Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet Macular Degeneration
It is the condition characterized by the chronic leakage of fluid and blood through abnormal blood vessels in the macula causing blurring of vision and appearance of blind spot in the visual field.
Symptoms
It is presented with the clinical features as follows:
- Visual field distortion.
- Decrease in the intensity of brighter colors in the surroundings.
- Generalized haziness
- Appearance of blind spot in the visual field.
- Unilateral or bilateral loss of central vision.
- Acute onset and rapid aggressive progression.
Causes
Exact cause is still unknown however its age-related degeneration. The major cause which is thought to be producing major impact is choroidal neovascularization which means abnormal blood vessels are growing from choroid into and under the macula. Another reason could be the building up of fluid at the back of eye due to leakage from blood vessels in the choroid.
Complications
As the condition worsen it leads to social anxiety and depression in patients. Charls bonnet syndrome characterized by visual hallucinations is yet another complication.
Diagnosis
After taking complete family history and detailed social history examination of the back of eye is done to see drusen which are mottled yellow spots characteristic of macular degeneration. Other methods of diagnosis would be Fluorescein angiography, Fluorescein angiography, Optical coherence tomography.
Treatment
- Firstly, medications like Bevacizumab (Avastin), Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Aflibercept (Eylea) are prescribed.
- Certain therapies like Photodynamic therapy, Photocoagulation, Low vision rehabilitation are considered.
Home Remedies
The main change in the lifestyle should be distance from nicotine. Quit smoking. Taking healthy food should be the priority as it helps to overcome the condition. Manage to get regular medical checkups and take prescribed medication properly. Have routine eye tests and get into physical activities.