Retinal macular degeneration: modern approaches to classification, diagnosis and treatment. Macular degeneration of the retina - treatment of macular degeneration Who can cure genetic diseases macular degeneration

If a patient is diagnosed with macular degeneration of the retina, treatment should begin immediately, since the disease affects the main part of the retina. Full vision depends on it, and if you don’t help a person, he can quickly go blind. Let's consider what macular degeneration of the retina is, the causes of the disease, its manifestations, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

The essence of the disease

Macular degeneration is one of the main causes of vision loss in older people. People who have already crossed the 50-year mark are especially vulnerable. The problem of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration is increasing. This proportion of the population is gradually becoming larger. With the increasing incidence of atherosclerosis and other concomitant pathologies, the problem of vision loss due to macular degeneration is becoming increasingly urgent. The disease does not choose its victim based on age, country of residence or social status.

The pathology is a type of chronic degenerative process in the central macula of the eye.

Normally, a huge number of cells responsible for light sensitivity are concentrated in this area. Due to the fact that they exist, a person can see normally. With the development of age-related macular degeneration, pathological changes occur in the eye:

the number of cells capable of sensing light decreases, as a result the quality of vision gradually decreases;
subsequently, the death of the photosensitive elements of the retina occurs;
the number of fat cells increases;
pathologically altered blood vessels grow (vascularization);
fat cells accumulate in tissues.

The danger of the disease also lies in the fact that pathologically altered blood vessels are susceptible to rupture. This causes hemorrhages to become more frequent, which further enhances the processes of retinal degeneration.

Why does this disease occur?

Macular degeneration of the eyes occurs for the following reasons:

the age of the person (usually over 60 years old; today there is a tendency towards rejuvenation of macular degeneration, which is why it also occurs in people under 50 years old);
unfavorable hereditary predisposition - when the family already has one of the relatives suffering from a similar problem;
smoking;
alcohol abuse;
racial differences (it has been noted that this disease occurs among European residents);
some gene mutations;
consumption of large amounts of fatty, fried foods of animal origin (this causes atherosclerosis);
prolonged exposure to the sun (this includes inept use of solar procedures and the presence of sunburn);
the presence of concomitant pathologies (patients with arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis are at risk).

What you need to know about the symptoms of the dry form of the disease

At the beginning of its development, age-related macular degeneration of the retina may not manifest itself in any way; the person does not feel symptoms and does not see a doctor. People over 40 years of age who do not visit an ophthalmologist for routine medical examinations are especially at risk.

Over time, macular degeneration of the retina of the eyes begins to manifest itself by blurring the field of vision, black spots in the visual field and curvature of objects (the patient can mistake all this for age-related changes in the eye, and if he is also not indifferent to self-medication, then choose glasses on his own in which he “better sees everything"). Precious time is lost, and vision gradually begins to deteriorate, even to the point of blindness.

There are several forms of AMD. The dry variety is the initial stage of the pathological process in humans. Typically, dry macular degeneration can last for several years, while initially the patient does not notice a decrease in vision. The disease is characterized by the appearance of foci of fat cells on the retina - first single, and then generalized.

With this type of disease, vision loss occurs slowly.

This macular degeneration has several stages of development of the pathological process:

At an early stage, the patient usually has several drusen - yellow deposits located under the retina. At this stage of the disease, vision deterioration usually does not occur.
At an intermediate stage of development, a large number of drusen appear on the retina. There is a loss of pigment epithelium, which is responsible for normal visual acuity. Some patients describe a large blurred spot located in the center. They use bright light sources to read.
At a later stage, the light-sensitive elements and other tissues of the eye are destroyed. A large blurry spot appears, sometimes black (scotoma). A person experiences great difficulty while reading; it is difficult for him to recognize people, even if they are at close range.

With the dry type of the disease, a person, as a rule, sees smooth contours of surrounding objects. If they are determined to be curved, then this may indicate that the patient is developing a wet form of pathology.

What you need to know about wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is less common and more dangerous. It is characterized by fairly rapid progression, therefore, if the patient does not consult a doctor in a timely manner, this leads to complete loss of vision in almost 90% of cases. The wet form contributes to the appearance of hemorrhages, swelling, and newly formed vessels on the retina of the eye, which burst even with a slight load.

There is also the so-called choroidal neovascularization. This is a pathological process based on abnormal vascular growth. This is how the body mistakenly tries to create a new network of capillaries in the affected macules. This occurs in order to provide nutrients to the eye tissues. These phenomena lead to areas of gross scarring appearing on the retina, causing the person to develop loss of central vision or absolute scotoma.

This is the name of a large dark spot located directly in the center of the visual field.

The patient retains peripheral vision. Its sharpness gradually decreases due to visual overload that the affected eye is forced to experience. The patient cannot distinguish small objects and has difficulty seeing in the dark.

Diagnosis of pathology

Before starting treatment, the patient must undergo a comprehensive diagnosis of the body. Only then is it possible to prescribe traditional drugs. No traditional methods of treatment, homeopathy or other types of alternative practices can stop the pathological process.

Diagnosis of the disease includes the following measures:

An initial ophthalmological examination, during which the doctor can determine signs of age-related changes in the retina.
Fluorescein angiography makes it possible to determine the location of the blood vessels of the eye. The specialist determines the advisability of further laser treatment of macular disorders.
ICPA is an eye examination using special green dyes. After this, certain areas of the eye tissue are photographed using infrared rays. This type of diagnosis makes it possible to determine the form of dystrophy.
OCG helps to obtain sections of retinal tissue.
Perimetry or visual field diagnostics makes it possible to detect where pathological areas of the retina are located.
The Amsler test involves the patient looking at the ratio of horizontal and vertical lines. When a person has macular degeneration, the ratio of such lines will be distorted, unclear and faded. If the patient says what exactly these lines are, then the ophthalmologist will have a clear idea of all the processes that occur in the eyes.

Sometimes you may need to undergo a general and biochemical blood test, and an MRI of the eyes. These types of diagnostics are prescribed as needed. Only after conducting a series of studies will it be possible to begin treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

Methods of treating the disease

Patients turn to the doctor too late when symptoms of such a pathology appear. In advanced cases, treatment of macular degeneration of the retina becomes significantly more complicated, and sometimes becomes futile and useless. In most cases, we can only talk about preserving existing poor vision.

Those patients who practice treatment with folk remedies are especially at risk.

Drug therapy is possible in the early stages of the disease. At the same time, the person still has high vision. There are a large number of drops that can be administered for this disease. The doctor decides which medications each specific patient needs.

The use of vascular-strengthening, vitamin and tissue preparations in combination with laser stimulation of the retina is indicated. The doctor individually decides whether the patient can be prescribed Aspirin, which has the property of “thinning” the blood. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.

If AMD is combined with edema, then laser coagulation is necessary. The goal of this treatment is to occlude vascularized areas. This way you can reduce the intensity of swelling of the retina.

Features of treatment of the wet form of the disease

The wet type of AMD is especially dangerous for the patient - it threatens rapid loss of visual functions. It will be impossible to restore them. Such a disease can be successfully treated only when the patient consults a specialist in a timely manner. In advanced cases, even satisfactory restoration of vision, that is, at the level of residual values, may be questionable due to the severity of the pathological process and its intensity.

Among the therapeutic measures used for the wet form of macular degeneration, intraocular administration of vascular formation inhibitors is becoming increasingly common. They block the mechanisms of vascularization of the retina. The formation of new vessels gradually closes.

Today, Lucentis is officially used in our country.

It is an angiogenesis inhibitor that is used for ophthalmic purposes. Leading eye clinics have successfully studied the effect of the drug, which allowed it to be tested in ophthalmological practice for the treatment of macular degeneration.

The drug can be injected into the vitreal cavity of the eye. This is done only in an ophthalmic operating room. This medical operation does not require hospitalization and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is subsequently re-examined by a doctor (he monitors the effect of such a drug). A month later the injection is repeated. The frequency of such manipulation depends on the severity of the pathological process.

If the patient has undergone a course of treatment, he needs to be re-examined by an ophthalmologist. The fact is that the disease is prone to relapsing, and the patient must strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations. The effectiveness of AMD treatment is determined by an increase in visual acuity and the disappearance of edematous phenomena in the retina. The growth of pathologically altered vessels must stop.

Today, only Lucentis is officially registered for use in ophthalmic practice. Other drugs are either not effective enough or are simply useless in treating such a severe pathology. Eye drops may also be ineffective in most cases.

What you need to know about preventing macular degeneration

Treatment of any form of this disease is complex, and a high therapeutic effect is possible only if the patient, especially at an older age, consults a doctor in a timely manner. The following recommendations will help prevent the development of such a disease:

A person is strongly advised to quit smoking. Nicotine leads to vasoconstriction, which affects the development of pathological processes in the retina of the eye.
The same applies to alcoholic drinks. A complete abstinence from alcohol can not only improve a person’s overall well-being, but also prevent the development of pathological processes in the eyes.
In summer, in sunny weather, it is recommended to wear sunglasses. At the same time, you need to beware of fakes and choose only high-quality optics - with a high degree of protection against ultraviolet radiation.
It is necessary to eat properly, excluding animal proteins, fatty and fried foods from the diet. Patients are recommended to add more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and microelements to their daily menu.
If there is a risk of AMD and other eye pathologies, heavy physical work, sports associated with lifting weights, and jumping are prohibited. It is not recommended to play football.
You should be extremely careful during icy conditions, as a fall can adversely affect the condition of your eyes.
It is necessary to constantly monitor blood pressure, because patients with arterial hypertension are at increased risk of macular degenerative changes.

Timely detection of eye diseases helps maintain high vision and good performance. AMD is dangerous because it can cause irreversible vision loss only if a person seeks help from a specialist too early. If you check your eyes every year, and if there are risks, 2 times a year, then the likelihood of irreversible vision loss will significantly decrease.

21948 09/18/2019 5 min.

If it seems to you that the checkered notebook sheet is crookedly drawn, and the seams between the tiles in the bathroom suddenly become uneven and broken, then it’s time to worry: something is wrong with your vision. It is quite possible that you have developed macular degeneration of the retina. What kind of disease is this, is there a cure? The features of this disease will be discussed in this article.

What it is?

Macular degeneration (degeneration) of the retina is a chronic progressive disease that affects the central zone of the retina and choroid. In this case, cells and intercellular space are damaged, which leads to dysfunction of central vision.

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness among the population of developed countries over the age of 50 years. The problem of macular degeneration is becoming increasingly relevant among the age group of the population. At the same time, in recent years there has been a tendency towards “rejuvenation” of this disease.

Manifestation of macular degeneration

Causes

Central vision loss occurs due to degeneration of the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is a very important element . Thanks to its functioning, a person sees objects located at a very close distance from the eye, and can also read and write, and distinguish colors. Macular degeneration of the retina involves damage to the cells of the macula.

The exact cause of the development of this disease has not yet been established. Among all the supposed reasons, scientists highlight the patient’s age. In addition, several risk factors have been identified, which, according to researchers, are a kind of trigger mechanism.

These include:

age (55 years and older);
gender (women get sick almost twice as often as men);
heredity (if close relatives suffer from macular degeneration, then the chances of getting sick increase);
excess body weight;
smoking;
vitamin deficiency;
prolonged and intense exposure to direct sunlight;
eye injuries;
bad ecology.

Types of macular degeneration

As macular degeneration progresses, it can go through different stages and forms. There are two types of disease:

Dry form of macular degeneration. This is the initial stage of the disease, and it is the most common (about 90% of patients suffer). At this stage, the patient gradually loses central vision, but may not attach any importance to this and may not even notice any special changes. Such changes may lead to the need for special lenses, which a visit to your optometrist will help you choose. During the examination, it will not be difficult for a specialist to identify macular degeneration of the eye and determine its shape.

Wet form of macular degeneration. If dry macular degeneration was not detected at an early stage and, accordingly, was not treated, then the disease develops into the so-called wet form. The progression of degeneration is aggravated by the formation of new blood vessels, which are very fragile and brittle, which leads to hemorrhage and the formation of “drusen” (yellow accumulations) in the retina. The wet form of macular degeneration develops rapidly, much faster than the dry form.

Manifestation of wet macular degeneration

Read also in detail about vision testing.

The dry form of macular degeneration is much more common than the wet form, and is detected in 85-90% of all cases. Yellowish spots are diagnosed in the macular area.

The gradual loss of central vision limits the ability of patients: they cannot distinguish small details. The dry form is not as severe as the wet form. However, after several years of disease progression and untreated, the gradual degradation of retinal cells can also lead to vision loss.

Read also about the causes of yellow sclera in the eyes.

The wet form of macular degeneration is presented in approximately 10-15% of cases.

The disease in this form progresses rapidly and often leads to significant loss of central vision. In the wet form, the process of neovascularization begins - the growth of new vessels. The walls of such vessels are defective and allow blood and fluid to pass through, which accumulate in the space under the retina. This leakage causes frequent damage to the light-sensitive cells in the retina, which die and create blind spots in central vision.

Distorted vision as a result of the lesion

Symptoms

Macular degeneration usually causes slow, painless, and irreversible vision loss. In rare cases, blindness can occur suddenly and abruptly.

Early symptoms of macular degeneration are:

the appearance of dark spots in central vision;
blurred image;
distortion of objects and images;
deterioration in color perception;
sharp deterioration of vision at a distance or in the dark.

Read also about why vision loss in the village.

The simplest test to determine the manifestations of macular degeneration is the Amsler test. The Amsler grid consists of intersecting straight lines with a central black dot in the middle. Patients with manifestations of retinal dystrophy may see that some lines appear blurred or wavy, broken, and dark spots appear.

An ophthalmologist can recognize the signs of this disease even before changes in the patient’s vision develop and refer him for additional examinations.

Diagnostics

To confirm the diagnosis of macular degeneration of the retina, doctors use different types of examination. The main ones:

Visometry, which helps determine the acuity of central vision.
Ophthalmoscopy, which allows you to study the condition of the retina and fundus vessels.
Bioophthalmoscopy(used for fundus examination).
Optical coherence tomography(OCT) is the most effective method for diagnosing macular degeneration, detecting the disease at the earliest stages.
Amsler test(the test can also be done at home).

Treatment of macular degeneration

Unfortunately, macular degeneration of the retina cannot be completely cured. However, there are methods that can achieve significant success in the fight against this disease.

. Laser treatment of retinal dystrophy allows you to remove pathological blood vessels and stop their progression.
Photodynamic laser therapy. The essence of this method is that a special substance is injected into the patient’s blood, which penetrates the affected vessels of the eye. Then a laser beam is used, which activates the injected substance and simultaneously affects the newly formed pathological vessels.
Anti-angiogenesis factors. These are the latest generation drugs, the use of which stops the growth of pathological blood vessels.
Devices for low vision. Since macular degeneration of the retina deprives a person of the ability to see normally, special electronic devices and lenses compensate for the loss of the person, creating enlarged images of the environment.

Treatment of macular degeneration can be carried out using experimental methods, which include:

submacular surgery(pathological vessels are removed);
retinal translocation, during which the affected vessels under the retina are removed.

In the treatment of dry forms of macular degeneration, in order to normalize metabolic processes in the retina, it is recommended to conduct courses of antioxidant therapy.

According to the AREDS study, a good effect of taking antioxidants was observed in patients who were at an intermediate or late stage of the disease. Combination therapy with antioxidants, zinc and copper for five years reduced the incidence of late-stage macular degeneration by 25%, and the risk of loss of visual acuity by three percent or more.

It should be understood that replacement therapy for the prevention and treatment of the dry form of macular degeneration cannot be a course; its use is possible only on an ongoing basis.

Treatment of the wet form of macular degeneration is aimed at suppressing the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Today, there are already a number of drugs and techniques registered in Russia that can stop or reduce the manifestations of abnormal neovascularization. This helped improve vision in a significant number of people with the wet form of the disease.

Even if treatment for macular degeneration is effective, macular degeneration may recur, so Periodic observation by an ophthalmologist should be mandatory for the patient.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

The retina is a specific structural and functional unit of the eyeball, necessary for capturing the image of the surrounding space and transmitting it to the brain. From an anatomical point of view, the retina is a thin layer of nerve cells thanks to which a person sees, since it is on them that the image is projected and transmitted along the optic nerve to the brain, where the “picture” is processed. The retina of the eye is formed by light-sensitive cells, which are called photoreceptors, since they are able to capture all the details of the surrounding “picture” that appears in the field of vision.

Depending on which area of the retina is affected, they are divided into three large groups:
1. Generalized retinal dystrophies;
2. Central retinal dystrophies;
3. Peripheral retinal dystrophies.

With central dystrophy, only the central part of the entire retina of the eye is affected. Since this central part of the retina is called macula, then the term is often used to denote dystrophy of the corresponding localization macular. Therefore, a synonym for the term “central retinal dystrophy” is the concept of “macular retinal dystrophy”.

In peripheral dystrophy, the edges of the retina are affected, while the central areas remain undamaged. With generalized retinal dystrophy, all parts of the retina are affected - both central and peripheral. A special case is age-related (senile) retinal dystrophy, which develops against the background of senile changes in the structure of microvessels. According to the location of the lesion, senile retinal dystrophy is central (macular).

Depending on the characteristics of tissue damage and the characteristics of the course of the disease, central, peripheral and generalized retinal dystrophies are divided into numerous varieties, which will be discussed separately.

Central retinal dystrophy - classification and brief description of varieties

Depending on the characteristics of the pathological process and the nature of the resulting damage, the following types of central retinal dystrophy are distinguished:

Stargardt's macular dystrophy;
Yellow-spotted fundus (Franceschetti's disease);
Best's vitelline (vitelliform) macular degeneration;
Congenital cone retinal dystrophy;
Colloid retinal dystrophy Doina;
Age-related retinal degeneration (dry or wet macular degeneration);
Central serous choriopathy.

Among the listed types of central retinal dystrophy, the most common are age-related macular degeneration and central serous choriopathy, which are acquired diseases. All other types of central retinal dystrophies are hereditary. Let us consider brief characteristics of the most common forms of central retinal dystrophy.

Central chorioretinal retinal dystrophy

Central chorioretinal dystrophy of the retina (central serous choriopathy) develops in men over 20 years of age. The reason for the formation of dystrophy is the accumulation of effusion from the vessels of the eye directly under the retina. This effusion interferes with normal nutrition and metabolism in the retina, resulting in its gradual degeneration. In addition, the effusion gradually detaches the retina of the eye, which is a very serious complication of the disease that can lead to complete loss of vision.

Due to the presence of effusion under the retina, a characteristic symptom of this dystrophy is a decrease in visual acuity and the appearance of wave-like curvatures of the image, as if a person is looking through a layer of water.

Macular (age-related) retinal degeneration

Macular (age-related) retinal degeneration can occur in two main clinical forms:
1. Dry (non-exudative) form;
2. Wet (exudative) form.

Both forms of macular degeneration of the retina develop in people over 50–60 years of age against the background of senile changes in the structure of the walls of microvessels. Against the background of age-related dystrophy, damage occurs to the vessels of the central part of the retina, the so-called macula, which provides high resolution, that is, allows a person to see and distinguish the smallest details of objects and the environment at close range. However, even with severe age-related dystrophy, complete blindness occurs extremely rarely, since the peripheral parts of the retina remain intact and allow a person to partially see. Preserved peripheral parts of the retina allow a person to navigate normally in his usual environment. In the most severe course of age-related retinal dystrophy, a person loses the ability to read and write.

Dry (non-exudative) age-related macular degeneration The retina is characterized by the accumulation of waste products of cells between the blood vessels and the retina itself. These waste products are not removed in a timely manner due to disruption of the structure and function of the microvessels of the eye. Waste products are chemicals that are deposited in the tissues under the retina and appear as small yellow bumps. These yellow tubercles are called Druze.

Dry retinal dystrophy accounts for up to 90% of cases of all macular degeneration and is a relatively benign form, since its course is slow, and therefore the decrease in visual acuity is also gradual. Non-exudative macular degeneration usually occurs in three successive stages:
1. The early stage of dry age-related macular degeneration of the retina is characterized by the presence of small drusen. At this stage, the person still sees well and is not bothered by any visual impairment;
2. The intermediate stage is characterized by the presence of either one large drusen or several small ones localized in the central part of the retina. These drusen reduce a person's field of vision, as a result of which he sometimes sees a spot in front of his eyes. The only symptom at this stage of age-related macular degeneration is the need for bright light for reading or writing;
3. The pronounced stage is characterized by the appearance of a spot in the field of vision, which is dark in color and large in size. This spot does not allow a person to see most of the surrounding picture.

Wet macular degeneration of the retina occurs in 10% of cases and has an unfavorable prognosis, since against its background, firstly, there is a very high risk of developing retinal detachment, and secondly, vision loss occurs very quickly. With this form of dystrophy, new blood vessels, which are normally absent, begin to actively grow under the retina of the eye. These vessels have a structure that is not typical for the eye, and therefore their membrane is easily damaged, and fluid and blood begin to leak through it, accumulating under the retina. This effusion is called exudate. As a result, exudate accumulates under the retina, which puts pressure on it and gradually peels off. That is why wet macular degeneration is dangerous due to retinal detachment.

With wet macular degeneration of the retina, a sharp and unexpected decrease in visual acuity occurs. If treatment is not started immediately, complete blindness may occur due to retinal detachment.

Peripheral retinal dystrophy - classification and general characteristics of types

The peripheral part of the retina is usually not visible to the doctor during a standard fundus examination due to its location. To understand why the doctor does not see the peripheral parts of the retina, you need to imagine a ball through the center of which the equator is drawn. One half of the ball up to the equator is covered with a mesh. Further, if you look at this ball directly in the region of the pole, then parts of the grid located close to the equator will be poorly visible. The same thing happens in the eyeball, which also has the shape of a ball. That is, the doctor can clearly distinguish the central parts of the eyeball, but the peripheral parts, close to the conventional equator, are practically invisible to him. This is why peripheral retinal dystrophies are often diagnosed late.

Peripheral retinal dystrophies are often caused by changes in the length of the eye against the background of progressive myopia and deterioration of blood circulation in this area. As peripheral dystrophies progress, the retina becomes thinner, resulting in the formation of so-called tractions (areas of excessive tension). These tractions, if they exist for a long time, create the preconditions for a tear in the retina, through which the liquid part of the vitreous seeps under it, lifts it and gradually peels off.

Depending on the degree of danger of retinal detachment, as well as on the type of morphological changes, peripheral dystrophies are divided into the following types:

Lattice retinal dystrophy;
Retinal degeneration of the “snail traces” type;
Frost-like degeneration of the retina;
Cobblestone retinal degeneration;
Small cystic degeneration of Blessin-Ivanov;
Retinal pigmentary dystrophy;
Pediatric Leber's taperetinal amaurosis;
X-chromosomal juvenile retinoschisis.

Let's consider the general characteristics of each type of peripheral retinal dystrophy.

Lattice retinal dystrophy

Lattice retinal dystrophy occurs in 63% of cases of all types of peripheral dystrophy. This type of peripheral dystrophy provokes the highest risk of developing retinal detachment, and is therefore considered dangerous and has a poor prognosis.

Most often (in 2/3 of cases) lattice retinal dystrophy is detected in men over 20 years of age, which indicates its hereditary nature. Lattice dystrophy affects one or both eyes with approximately equal frequency and then progresses slowly and gradually throughout a person's life.

With lattice dystrophy, white, narrow, wavy stripes are visible on the fundus, forming lattices or rope ladders. These stripes are formed by collapsed and hyaline-filled blood vessels. Between the collapsed vessels, areas of thinning of the retina are formed, which have the characteristic appearance of pinkish or red lesions. In these areas of the thinned retina, cysts or tears can form, leading to detachment. The vitreous body in the area adjacent to the area of the retina with dystrophic changes is liquefied. And at the edges of the area of dystrophy, the vitreous body, on the contrary, is very tightly fused to the retina. Because of this, areas of excessive tension on the retina (traction) arise, where small tears are formed that look like valves. It is through these valves that the liquid part of the vitreous penetrates under the retina and provokes its detachment.

Peripheral retinal dystrophy of the “snail traces” type

Peripheral retinal dystrophy of the “snail trace” type develops in people suffering from progressive myopia. Dystrophy is characterized by the appearance of shiny streak-like inclusions and holey defects on the surface of the retina. Typically, all defects are located on the same line and, when examined, resemble a snail's footprint left on the asphalt. It is precisely because of the external resemblance to the track of a snail that this type of peripheral retinal dystrophy received its poetic and figurative name. With this type of dystrophy, breaks often form, leading to retinal detachment.

Frost-like retinal dystrophy

Frost-like retinal dystrophy is a hereditary disease that occurs in men and women. Usually both eyes are affected at the same time. Yellowish or whitish inclusions resembling snow flakes appear in the retinal area of the eye. These inclusions are usually located in close proximity to thickened retinal vessels.

Retinal dystrophy "cobblestone"

Cobblestone retinal dystrophy usually affects the distant parts located directly in the equator of the eyeball. This type of dystrophy is characterized by the appearance on the retina of individual, white, elongated lesions with an uneven surface. Typically these lesions are located in a circle. Most often, cobblestone dystrophy develops in older people or in those suffering from myopia.

Small cystic retinal dystrophy Blessin–Ivanov

Blessin-Ivanov small cystic retinal dystrophy is characterized by the formation of small cysts located on the periphery of the fundus. In the area of the cysts, holes may subsequently form, as well as areas of retinal detachment. This type of dystrophy has a slow course and a favorable prognosis.

Retinal pigmentary dystrophy

Retinal pigmentary dystrophy affects both eyes at once and manifests itself in childhood. Small foci of bony bodies appear on the retina, and the waxy pallor of the optic disc gradually increases. The disease progresses slowly, as a result of which a person’s field of vision gradually narrows, becoming tubular. In addition, vision deteriorates in the dark or twilight.

Pediatric Leber's taperetinal amaurosis

Pediatric Leber taperetinal amaurosis develops in a newborn child or at the age of 2–3 years. The child's vision deteriorates sharply, which is considered the beginning of the disease, after which it slowly progresses.

X-chromosomal juvenile retinoschisis

X-chromosomal juvenile retinoschisis is characterized by the development of retinal separation simultaneously in both eyes. Huge cysts form in the area of the dissections, gradually filling with glial protein. Due to the deposition of glial protein, star-shaped folds or radial lines appear on the retina, resembling the spokes of a bicycle wheel.

Congenital retinal dystrophy

All congenital dystrophies are hereditary, that is, they are transmitted from parents to children. The following types of congenital dystrophies are currently known:
1. Generalized:

Pigmentary dystrophy;
Leber's amaurosis;
Nyctalopia (lack of night vision);
Cone dysfunction syndrome, in which color perception is impaired or complete color blindness is present (a person sees everything as gray or black and white).

2. Central:

Stargardt's disease;
Best's disease;
Age-related macular degeneration.

3. Peripheral:

X-chromosomal juvenile retinoschisis;
Wagner's disease;
Goldman-Favre disease.

The most common peripheral, central and generalized congenital retinal dystrophies are described in the relevant sections. The remaining variants of congenital dystrophies are extremely rare and are of no interest or practical significance for a wide range of readers and non-ophthalmologists, so it seems inappropriate to provide a detailed description of them.

Retinal dystrophy during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a significant change in blood circulation and an increase in metabolic rate in all organs and tissues, including the eyes. But in the second trimester of pregnancy there is a decrease in blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to the small vessels of the eyes. This, in turn, can provoke a deficiency of nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the retina and other structures of the eye. And inadequate blood supply and deficiency of nutrient delivery is the cause of the development of retinal dystrophy. Thus, pregnant women have an increased risk of retinal dystrophy.

If a woman had any eye diseases before pregnancy, for example, myopia, hemeralopia and others, this significantly increases the risk of developing retinal dystrophy during pregnancy. Since various eye diseases are widespread in the population, the development of retinal dystrophy in pregnant women is not uncommon. It is precisely because of the risk of dystrophy with subsequent retinal detachment that gynecologists refer pregnant women for consultation with an ophthalmologist. And for the same reason, women suffering from myopia need permission from an ophthalmologist to give birth naturally. If the ophthalmologist considers the risk of fulminant dystrophy and retinal detachment during childbirth to be too high, he will recommend a cesarean section.

Retinal dystrophy - causes

Retinal dystrophy develops in 30–40% of cases in people suffering from myopia (myopia), in 6–8% against the background of hypermetropia (farsightedness), and in 2–3% with normal vision. The entire set of causative factors of retinal dystrophy can be divided into two large groups - local and general.

Local causative factors of retinal dystrophy include the following:

Hereditary predisposition;
Myopia of any severity;
Inflammatory eye diseases;
Previous eye surgeries.

Common causative factors for retinal dystrophy include the following:

Hypertonic disease;
Diabetes;
Past viral infections;
Intoxication of any nature (poisoning with poisons, alcohol, tobacco, bacterial toxins, etc.);
Increased blood cholesterol levels;
Deficiency of vitamins and minerals entering the body with food;
Chronic diseases (heart, thyroid, etc.);
Age-related changes in the structure of blood vessels;
Frequent exposure to direct sunlight on the eyes;
White skin and blue eyes.

In principle, retinal dystrophy can be caused by any factors that disrupt normal metabolism and blood flow in the eyeball. In young people, the cause of dystrophy is most often severe myopia, and in older people it is age-related changes in the structure of blood vessels and existing chronic diseases.

Retinal dystrophy - symptoms and signs

At the initial stages, retinal dystrophy, as a rule, does not manifest itself with any clinical symptoms. Various signs of retinal dystrophies usually develop in the moderate or severe stages of the disease. With different types of retinal dystrophies, a person experiences approximately the same symptoms, such as:

Decreased visual acuity in one or both eyes (the need for bright light for reading or writing is also a sign of decreased visual acuity);
Narrowing of the field of view;
The appearance of scotoma (spot or sensation of a curtain, fog or obstruction in front of the eyes);
A distorted, wave-like image before the eyes, as if a person is looking through a layer of water;
Poor vision in darkness or twilight (nyctalopia);
Impaired color discrimination (colors are perceived as different, not corresponding to reality, for example, blue is seen as green, etc.);
Periodic appearance of “floaters” or flashes before the eyes;
Metamorphopsia (incorrect perception of everything related to the shape, color and location in space of a real object);
Inability to correctly distinguish a moving object from a stationary one.

If a person experiences any of the above symptoms, they should immediately consult a doctor for examination and treatment. You should not delay a visit to an ophthalmologist, since without treatment, dystrophy can quickly progress and provoke retinal detachment with complete loss of vision.

In addition to the listed clinical symptoms, retinal dystrophy is characterized by the following signs, identified during objective examinations and various tests:
1. Distortion of lines on Amsler test. This test involves a person looking with each eye in turn at a point located in the center of a grid drawn on a piece of paper. First, the paper is placed at arm's length from the eye, and then slowly brought closer. If the lines are distorted, this is a sign of macular degeneration of the retina (see Figure 1);

Figure 1 – Amsler test. At the top right is a picture seen by a person with normal vision. At the top and bottom left is the image that a person sees with retinal dystrophy.
2. Characteristic changes in the fundus (for example, drusen, cysts, etc.).
3. Reduced electroretinography readings.

Retinal dystrophy - photo

This photograph shows retinal dystrophy of the “snail track” type.

This photograph shows retinal dystrophy of the “cobblestone” type.

This photograph shows dry age-related macular degeneration of the retina.

Retinal dystrophy - treatment

General principles of treatment of various types of retinal dystrophy

Since dystrophic changes in the retina cannot be eliminated, any treatment is aimed at stopping further progression of the disease and, in fact, is symptomatic. For the treatment of retinal dystrophies, drug, laser and surgical treatment methods are used to stop the progression of the disease and reduce the severity of clinical symptoms, thereby partially improving vision.

Drug therapy for retinal dystrophy involves the use of the following groups of drugs:
1. Antiplatelet agents– drugs that reduce thrombus formation in blood vessels (for example, Ticlopidine, Clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid). These drugs are taken orally in tablet form or administered intravenously;
2. Vasodilators And angioprotectors – drugs that dilate and strengthen blood vessels (for example, No-shpa, Papaverine, Ascorutin, Complamin, etc.). The drugs are taken orally or administered intravenously;
3. Lipid-lowering drugs – drugs that lower blood cholesterol levels, for example, Methionine, Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, etc. The drugs are used only in people suffering from atherosclerosis;
4. Vitamin complexes , which contain elements important for the normal functioning of the eyes, for example, Okyuvit-lutein, Blueberry-forte, etc.;
5. B vitamins ;
6. Drugs that improve microcirculation , for example, Pentoxifylline. Typically, drugs are injected directly into the structures of the eye;
7. Polypeptides, obtained from the retina of cattle (the drug Retinolamine). The drug is injected into the structures of the eye;
8. Eye drops containing vitamins and biological substances that promote repair and improve metabolism, for example, Taufon, Emoxipin, Ophthalm-Katachrome, etc.;
9. Lucentis– a remedy that prevents the growth of pathological blood vessels. Used for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration of the retina.

The medications listed above are taken in courses, several times (at least twice) throughout the year.

In addition, for wet macular degeneration, Dexamethasone is injected into the eye, and Furosemide is administered intravenously. When hemorrhages develop in the eye, heparin, Etamsylate, aminocaproic acid or Prourokinase are administered intravenously in order to quickly resolve and stop it. To relieve swelling in any form of retinal dystrophy, Triamcinolone is injected directly into the eye.

The following physiotherapy methods are also used in courses for the treatment of retinal dystrophies:

Electrophoresis with heparin, No-shpa and nicotinic acid;
Photostimulation of the retina;
Stimulation of the retina with low-energy laser radiation;
Electrical stimulation of the retina;
Intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI).

If there are indications, then surgical operations are performed to treat retinal dystrophy:

Laser coagulation of the retina;
Vitrectomy;
Vaso-reconstructive operations (crossing the superficial temporal artery);
Revascularization operations.

Approaches to the treatment of macular degeneration of the retina

First of all, complex drug treatment is necessary, which consists of a course of taking vasodilators (for example, No-shpa, Papaverine, etc.), angioprotectors (Ascorutin, Actovegin, Vazonit, etc.), antiplatelet agents (Aspirin, Thrombostop, etc.) and vitamins A, E and group B. Typically, courses of treatment with these groups of drugs are carried out several times during the year (at least twice). Regular courses of drug treatment can significantly reduce or completely stop the progression of macular degeneration, thereby preserving a person’s vision.

If macular degeneration is in a more severe stage, then along with drug treatment, physiotherapy methods are used, such as:

Magnetic stimulation of the retina;
Retinal photostimulation;
Laser stimulation of the retina;
Electrical stimulation of the retina;
Intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI);
Surgeries to restore normal blood flow in the retina.

The listed physiotherapeutic procedures, along with drug treatment, are carried out in courses several times a year. The specific method of physiotherapy is selected by an ophthalmologist depending on the specific situation, type and course of the disease.

If a person has wet dystrophy, then first of all laser coagulation of sprouting, abnormal vessels is performed. During this procedure, a laser beam is directed to the affected areas of the retina, and under the influence of its powerful energy, blood vessels are sealed. As a result, fluid and blood stop sweating under the retina and peeling it off, which stops the progression of the disease. Laser coagulation of blood vessels is a short-term and completely painless procedure that can be performed in a clinic.

After laser coagulation, it is necessary to take drugs from the group of angiogenesis inhibitors, for example, Lucentis, which will inhibit the active growth of new, abnormal vessels, thereby stopping the progression of wet retinal macular degeneration. Lucentis should be taken continuously, and other medications should be taken in courses several times a year, as with dry macular degeneration.

Principles of treatment of peripheral retinal dystrophy

The principles of treatment of peripheral retinal dystrophy consist in carrying out the necessary surgical interventions (primarily laser coagulation of blood vessels and delimiting the zone of dystrophy), as well as subsequent regular courses of medication and physiotherapy. If you have peripheral retinal dystrophy, you must completely stop smoking and wear sunglasses.

Retinal dystrophy - laser treatment

Laser therapy is widely used in the treatment of various types of dystrophies, since a directed laser beam with enormous energy allows it to effectively affect the affected areas without affecting the normal parts of the retina. Laser treatment is not a homogeneous concept that includes only one operation or intervention. On the contrary, laser treatment of dystrophy is a combination of various therapeutic techniques that are carried out using a laser.

Examples of therapeutic treatment of dystrophy with a laser are retinal stimulation, during which the affected areas are irradiated in order to activate metabolic processes in them. Laser stimulation of the retina in most cases gives an excellent effect and allows you to stop the progression of the disease for a long time. An example of surgical laser treatment for dystrophy is coagulation of blood vessels or delimitation of the affected area of the retina. In this case, the laser beam is directed to the affected areas of the retina and, under the influence of the released thermal energy, literally glues and seals the tissue and, thereby, delimits the treated area. As a result, the area of the retina affected by dystrophy is isolated from other parts, which also makes it possible to stop the progression of the disease.

Retinal dystrophy - surgical treatment (operation)

Operations are performed only in severe cases of dystrophy, when laser therapy and drug treatment are ineffective. All operations performed for retinal dystrophies are conventionally divided into two categories - revascularization and vasoreconstruction. Revascularization operations are a type of surgery during which the doctor destroys abnormal vessels and opens normal ones as much as possible. Vasoreconstruction is an operation during which the normal microvascular bed of the eye is restored using grafts. All operations are performed in a hospital setting by experienced doctors.

Vitamins for retinal dystrophy

In case of retinal dystrophy, it is necessary to take vitamins A, E and group B, since they ensure the normal functioning of the organ of vision. These vitamins improve the nutrition of eye tissue and, with long-term use, help stop the progression of dystrophic changes in the retina.

Vitamins for retinal dystrophy must be taken in two forms - in special tablets or multivitamin complexes, as well as in the form of food products rich in them. Fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, nuts, etc. are richest in vitamins A, E and group B. Therefore, these products must be consumed by people suffering from retinal dystrophy, since they are sources of vitamins that improve the nutrition and functioning of the eyes.

Prevention of retinal dystrophy

Prevention of retinal dystrophy consists of following simple rules:

Do not overstrain your eyes, always give them rest;
Do not work without eye protection from various harmful radiation;
Do eye exercises;
Eat well, including fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet, as they contain large amounts of vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the eye;
Take vitamins A, E and group B;
Take zinc supplements.

The best prevention of retinal dystrophy is proper nutrition, since it is fresh vegetables and fruits that provide the human body with the necessary vitamins and minerals that ensure the normal functioning and health of the eyes. Therefore, include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet every day, and this will be a reliable prevention of retinal dystrophy.

Retinal dystrophy - folk remedies

Traditional treatment of retinal dystrophy can only be used in combination with traditional medicine methods, since this disease is very serious. Traditional methods of treating retinal dystrophy include the preparation and use of various vitamin mixtures, which provide the visual organ with the vitamins and microelements it needs, thereby improving its nutrition and inhibiting the progression of the disease.
Before use, you should consult a specialist.

The retina is a very important element of this visual organ, which is designed to provide good vision.

Without the retina, the image would not be able to be transformed and projected. Simply put, the person would not be able to see anything.

Therefore, it is only natural that if you notice any symptoms of retinal disease, it is necessary to urgently begin its treatment.

Therefore, in this article we will look at how to treat macular degeneration of the retina with folk remedies.

Macular degeneration of the retina is a disease that affects the central part of the retina and leads to vision impairment.

First of all, the lumen of the vessels in the membrane, which is fed by the retina, becomes smaller. As a result, tissues begin to feel a significant lack of vital substances, as well as oxygen.

Such malfunctions of the macula provoke a decrease in vision or even its complete loss. Most often, such cases occur in patients over 50 years of age. This disease is then called age-related macular degeneration.

First you need to understand what a “macula” is.. This is the light-sensitive element of the retina, which is located in its center.

Thanks to it, we can clearly see all the objects that are in front of our eyes. With this element we can also distinguish all colors and their shades. This means that if it is damaged, a person cannot write and read normally.

The composition of the macula is light-sensitive cells. They are very “sensitive” and are not immune to all kinds of damage.

Also, pathology can manifest itself in both eyes, and the process occurs unevenly, so it is not immediately possible to determine that the disease has occurred.

Diseases of the retina significantly worsen our quality of life, but at the same time they do not bother us with pain.

It has been noticed by experts that in women this pathology manifests itself much more often. In addition, in most cases, its development occurs in old age.

Macular degeneration of the retina of the eye

Causes of the disease

Although modern medicine puts forward different versions of what exactly provokes the disease, its underlying real causes at this time remain unclear.

The following is known for sure: one of the main factors influencing the progression of the disease is smoking.

However, the following factors have been identified that can significantly influence the occurrence and progression of macular degeneration of the retina:

age: people over 70 years of age are 30% more likely to get sick than others;
due to hereditary predisposition, the risk of getting sick increases to 50%;
lifestyle: inactivity, smoking, excessive exposure to the sun (ultraviolet);
dietary habits, specifically, lack of zeaxanthin and lutein;
severe myopia;
diseases of the cardiovascular system, especially hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction and angina pectoris;
atherosclerosis and the accompanying blockage of microvessels, resulting in the formation of scars, and they create dark spots that reduce vision;
diabetes and obesity;
some types of medications;
cytomegalovirus.

At this stage of time, experts distinguish two forms of macular degeneration of the eye: dry and wet. Each of them has its own characteristics.

As a rule, the first type of disease is diagnosed much more often than the second, but it is more difficult to treat.

There is another form of this pathology - senile macular degeneration. It can be characterized as follows: the blood vessels of the eye become more fragile and thinner.

In this case, the nutrition of the eye noticeably deteriorates, and the effectiveness of the macula decreases.

Diagnosis of the disease

This procedure is not difficult at all.. However, it is necessary that it be carried out by an ophthalmologist, since he will use various techniques and devices.

For example, a doctor needs to do a mandatory examination of the fundus of the eye to clarify the diagnosis. In this case, the doctor uses special drops to relax and dilate the pupil.

Also during the examination, an Amsler grid and fluorescein angiography are used. Good results can be achieved if you use computer diagnostic techniques.

The standard examination time is approximately 15 minutes.

Age-related macular degeneration, which affects only older patients, manifests itself in the form of deterioration of central vision.

Distortion of objects develops, straight lines appear curved.

The onset of age-related macular degeneration is not accompanied by pain, but patients often complain of excessive sensitivity to light and note difficulties in recognizing faces and reading.

At the late stage of central eye dystrophy, a dark spot appears on the retina. As a result, the patient has difficulty seeing, driving a car is difficult, and it is not easy to read and write, especially in low light.

The development of macular degeneration is also indicated by poor color differentiation.

Since this disease, unlike many others, does not manifest itself in the form of pain, often macular degeneration remains undetected for a long period of time, and treatment is carried out in its later stages, when vision has already weakened significantly.

Complete loss of vision is quite rare, but since the patient sees poorly, he loses his ability to work.

Traditional treatment methods include surgical and conservative treatment.

The vast majority of specialized medical institutions begin treatment of macular degeneration of the eye with conservative methods.

Thus, the patient is prescribed drugs to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, antioxidants, immunomodulators, vitamins A, E and group B. In addition, a patient with macular degeneration will need medications that reduce swelling of the retina.

If a dry form of the disease is detected, low-intensity laser therapy is used as treatment.. Using a laser, the drusen are removed during the procedure. However, such a procedure cannot restore visual acuity.

Laser coagulation is an effective method that is used in the treatment of wet forms of macular degeneration. This procedure allows you to stop the process of hemorrhage into the eye from the vessels. In addition, laser coagulation can slow down the process of vision deterioration.

There is another method of treating the wet form of macular degeneration, in which the drug is administered intravenously, and then its therapeutic effect in the eyes is activated using a laser.

The highly active component of the drug is able to have the necessary effect on the affected cells, but healthy eye cells are not deformed in any way. The duration of this procedure is minimal.

Doctors say that the main reason for the development of macular degeneration of the eye is poor nutrition, so one of the necessary components of the course of treatment is a healthy, balanced menu consisting of healthy foods.

Scientists have proven that people who eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables, especially spinach, greens, salads, and kale, experience macular degeneration much less frequently because they have nourished their body with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.

It is recommended, if possible, to regularly eat blueberries and take vitamins for macular degeneration of the retina, since in combination they can support its performance. Don’t forget about carrots, which are better seasoned with vegetable oil, since vitamin A is better absorbed this way.

Traditional medicine advises including grains and legumes in your diet.

Recipe No. 1. To prepare it, you need to spread the washed and pre-sorted wheat in a thin layer and add water. After the wheat has sprouted, it should be washed again and then passed through a meat grinder.

It is recommended to store sprouted wheat in the refrigerator or in a regular cool place for four days. For medicinal purposes, you should consume 14 tablespoons of wheat every morning, and for prevention purposes, 4 to 7 tablespoons.

In order to somehow improve the taste of wheat, honey or berries are added to it.

Recipe No. 2. Its essence lies in following a simple diet. As already mentioned, nutrition for macular degeneration of the retina should include parsley, celery, dill, spinach, cabbage - that is, any green vegetables, as well as nettle leaves and tomatoes.

You also can’t do without fruits and berries, especially blueberries. The thing is that these products contain substances that help slow down age-related vision loss.

In addition, such a diet will help slow down the development of an existing disease.

Recipe No. 3. Designed directly to restore vision. To do this, you should prepare an infusion of mumiyo with aloe. This can be done at home in this way: 5 grams of purified mumiyo must be dissolved in 100 grams of fresh aloe juice.

It is better to store this product on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Before consuming it, you need to warm the liquid to room temperature, and then you can start instilling eye drops.

This needs to be done twice a day. The duration of treatment with mummy infusion with aloe is 14 days, then take a break for 10 days, and then resume the treatment course.

Traditional medicine also suggests the use of these two not only effective, but also very tasty recipes for macular degeneration of the eye:

Vision restoration. Take equal parts (35 g each) of blueberries and red rowan fruits, add 1 teaspoon of honey, 35 g of sea buckthorn fruits (ripe), mix all ingredients. After this, the composition is ready for use.

Take it 2 tablespoons 3 times a day: on an empty stomach in the morning, at lunch or dinner before meals. The course of treatment with this remedy for macular degeneration of the eye is 1-1.5 months.

Improved vision. Mix two pre-peeled chopped carrots, 2 peeled chopped walnuts and 1 teaspoon of honey, mix the contents thoroughly. Now the mixture is ready for use without any norm.

. To prepare such a health drink, you need to thoroughly rinse half a liter of whole grain oats under running water, soak it in water in a suitable container for 4 hours.

After this, you can drain the water, place the grain in a three-liter pan, which must be filled to the top with clean water and bring the mixture to a boil over low heat. It is recommended to boil the grain for half an hour.

Strain the resulting broth using a gauze cloth and place in a glass container in the refrigerator. Oatmeal broth should be taken pre-heated, up to 5 glasses daily.

To improve the taste of the medicinal drink, you can add ground blueberries, chokeberries, black currants and a teaspoon of honey.

In order to strengthen the retina, it is also recommended to use calendula infusion, which is best prepared at home.

To do this, brew 1 tablespoon of the flowers of this plant in 200 milliliters of boiling water and leave to steep for 15 minutes. Then you need to cool the infusion to room temperature, strain through gauze and take 50 ml three times a day.

In parallel with oral administration, it is very useful to instill 2 drops of calendula tincture directly into the eyes. The course of such treatment is six months.

. The essence of this technique is that the saliva produced by leeches contains a large amount of useful substances that reduce inflammation, lower pressure (including intraocular pressure), reduce pain, and also improve blood circulation.

However, there is a warning: using leeches on your own, without the necessary supervision of a specialist, is strictly prohibited!

The use of cumin for macular degeneration of the retina. To prepare a healing decoction, you need to pour boiling water over one spoon of the plant and leave to simmer for several minutes over the fire.

Then add 1 teaspoon of cornflower blue to the cumin decoction and leave to cool to room temperature. Next, you should take the infusion into a pipette and drop it into your eyes: 2 drops into each eye, 2 times a day, in the morning and before bed.

Goat milk. Take homemade goat milk, mix it half and half with clean water and put this mixture into a pipette. Place one drop in each eye twice a day for 1 week.

Use of celandine. People have known about the medicinal properties of celandine since time immemorial.

To prepare a healing decoction, add 100 ml of water to a spoonful of dry celandine herb and put it on the fire, boil for a couple of minutes and let the decoction cool.

Then strain it and apply it to your eyes: 3 drops 3 times a day for a month.

Simple preventive measures play an important role in eye health, since it is not easy to completely get rid of this disease.

Only the person himself can control his own health. Thus, the quality and even life expectancy directly depend on how careful and attentive you are to your health and do not neglect the dangerous symptoms that appear.

Macular degeneration of the retina - a disease better known as AMD(Age-related macular degeneration). It affects the central, one of the most important areas of the retina - the macula, which has a significant impact on visual perception.

The reason why quality decreases is called degeneration of the macula - one of the important areas of the retina of the eyeball. The retina is the layer of the eyeball that is responsible for the quality and “focus” of central vision, which is used when driving or reading. The disease is characterized by a rapid process of loss of central light perception. Today, this issue is most acute, since the percentage of the population at risk is growing every day. The level of complexity of the disorder is primarily determined by the form of macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is one of the main causes of the irreversible process of vision loss; the risk group is considered to be the category of people who have reached the age of fifty.

Macular degeneration of the retina -
degeneration or degeneration of the optic spot

The constant exchange of nutrients in the retina contributes to the emergence of free radicals, which subsequently provoke an increase in destructive processes due to disruption of the functioning of the antioxidant system. At the same time, drusen (a polymer structure that cannot be split) form in the retina of the eyeball.

The formation of drusen leads to atrophy of the layers bordering the retina, and vessels begin to form in the retinal epithelium. Following this, the processes of scar formation begin, which are accompanied by the loss of receptors responsible for the transmission of light.

Specialists in this field distinguish two forms of the disease – dry and wet macular degeneration.

Dry form of retinal macular degeneration diagnosed much more often. The disease is characterized by the appearance of yellow spots in the pupil. As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to distinguish small details and a process of loss of focus occurs. The disease progresses slowly, but after a long period of time, geographic atrophy can develop, and subsequently complete blindness.

Despite the enormous achievements of medicine over the past few decades, there are still no radical measures to influence the disease. Scientists have proven that the use of certain vitamins can slow down the progress of the disease, expressed in dry form. From these same studies we can conclude that the use of special food additives can reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration by twenty-five percent. Treatment of dry macular degeneration of the retina is a grueling procedure, the result of which is impossible to predict. Ophthalmologists advise patients diagnosed with the dry form of the disease to wear tinted glasses that will protect their eyes from the harmful radiation of the sun.

Both forms are characterized by a low-contrast image, a veil before the eyes and impaired color perception

Wet form of retinal macular degeneration– has become much less common among the population. The disease develops rapidly and entails significant vision loss. During the wet form of macular degeneration of the retina, vascular growth begins. Neoplasms are defective due to the thinning of their structure. The blood circulating through them is passed into the gap located under the retina, which causes disruption of the cells of the retina. The result is blind spots in the central vision area.

The unhealthy course of neovascularization is explained by the body’s incorrect attempt to create another circulatory network to obtain a full amount of oxygen and nutrients from the retina of the eyeball.

Symptoms

The development of the disease causes a slow and painless, but, unfortunately, irreversible loss of vision. There are cases when the disease is transient. In the initial stage, the symptoms of macular degeneration of the retina have the following form:

distortion of perception;
significant deterioration in the quality of vision at night;
loss of clarity of the “picture”;
the appearance of various spots before the eyes;
loss of color perception.

To establish a diagnosis and identify the disease, a special technique is used. The Amsler grid contains intersecting straight lines, with a black dot in the center of the plexus. People with symptoms of macular degeneration of the retina of the eyeball perceive some of these lines as blurry, and when they try to focus their vision, dark spots appear.

A competent specialist is able to diagnose the disease at the development stage, before the onset of catastrophic changes, and prescribe appropriate treatment for macular degeneration of the retina.

Causes and risk factors for the development of macular degeneration of the retina

Scientists have been struggling for many years over the causes of macular degeneration of the retina of the eyeball. Despite the fact that many factors contributing to the manifestation of the disease have not yet been identified, the following points can be summarized as characteristic of ninety percent of cases.

Macular degeneration usually affects both eyes, but it does not occur at the same time

Age. One of the main reasons for the development of the disease. In the middle age group, this disease occurs in only two percent of cases. In the age range from sixty-five to seventy-five, twenty percent of those who sought help from an ophthalmologist. At a later age, signs of macular degeneration appear in every third person. In addition, there is the fact of genetic transmission of the disease. The most significant risk factors are:

bad habits - this factor is confirmed by all medical studies;
race – the disease is widespread among representatives of the Caucasian race;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
poor nutrition and excess weight;
exposure to ultraviolet rays;
light color of the iris.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease is based on the collection of medical history, complaints from the patient, information obtained as a result of examination of the eyeball. One of the best methods for detecting the disease is considered to be FAGD (Fluorescein angiography of the fundus). When testing vision using this technique, special substances are used that are injected into the eyeball, and then a series of photographs of the fundus is taken. These images can also be used as initial data to monitor the processes occurring in patients diagnosed with dry macular degeneration of the retina. Also, to assess the condition of the retinal area and changes in the macula, optical tomography is used, thanks to which it is possible to identify changes affecting the structure of the eyeball at an early stage of the disease.

Using an ophthalmoscope, you can “see” a reliable picture of pathological changes in the organs of vision.

Treatment of dry and wet forms of macular degeneration

Today, therapy for age-related macular degeneration of the retina is a rather complex and controversial procedure. When treating the dry form of the disease, to restore and stabilize the process of exchange of useful elements in the retina, it is necessary to undergo a course of antioxidant therapy.
People over the age of fifty who are at risk should know that the prevention and treatment of this disease cannot take the form of a course. It is necessary to undergo treatment constantly.

Treatment of wet retinal macular degeneration involves focusing on suppressing abnormal growth of the vascular system. The ophthalmologist selects special medications that stop the growth of blood vessels and thereby increase the quality of vision.

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