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Early diagnosis and action can stop the progression of macular degeneration and prevent the risk of vision loss, stress experts at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS).
Macular degeneration is a chronic condition that usually occurs in people over the age of 60 but may occur earlier. The macula is the central part of the retina, which has the highest concentration of photoreceptors, the cells that take in light and convert it into an image.
The macula degenerates when a small piece of the retina and the light-sensitive tissue around the macula is destroyed with age. This condition can be partially treated, but not completely cured. Nevertheless, early diagnosis can save the patient's vision, as emphasized by the experts, who stress that the only method here too is early recognition of the symptoms of the disease.
As can be seen, age is the main risk factor for macular degeneration, while family history is considered an aggravating factor. Other increased risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, excessive sun exposure and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
Scientists therefore feel that it is very important to check our eyes often enough and be vigilant for any symptoms.
In particular, special attention should be paid when instead of straight lines we see distorted or wavy lines.
Another easy way to detect some symptoms is the following: by covering one eye, we look at the door frame or a chessboard. If the lines look wavy or distorted then this could be a sign of macular degeneration and should lead us to an ophthalmologist immediately.
More generally, any problem identified in recognising familiar faces due to blurred vision could be a worrying symptom.
Similarly, a white piece of paper with infinite black lines and with a small dot in the middle, known as an Amsler grid, could be a way of identifying symptoms. (below an Amsler grid and the altered way it is seen by a macular degeneration sufferer.)
As experts point out, special attention should even be paid to the colors and whether they appear more faded or dull.
"The earlier patients who are experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration visit us, the earlier we can determine the cause of the symptoms or use innovative treatments to protect vision," said Dr. Philip Ferrone, president of the American Society of Retina Specialists. He added that advances in imaging technology and newer treatments mean that quite often vision loss and blindness can be prevented when patients work with specialists to prompt it: "rush to the specialists at the first sign or symptom."
Source: ygeiamou.gr
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