Macular Degeneration Chaminda Unantenne RN,MS,MSN    

Macular Degeneration  Leading cause of vision loss.  Affects more than 10 million Americans.  Incurable eye disease.  Caused by deterioration of the central portion of the retina.  The central portion of the retina is known as the macula.  Macula is responsible for central vision in the eye.  As the disease progress: wavy or blurred vision.  If condition continues, central vision may be completely lost.  Legally blind.

Types of Macular Degeneration  Dry  Wet  Stargardt disease: found in younger people, caused by recessive gene. Stages of MD  Early AMD: no vision loss, need to encourage regular eye exams, medium size drusen noted beneath the retina.  Intermediate AMD:some vision loss, larger drusen and pigmentation.  Late AMD: vision loss.

MD  Diagnosis: Amsler graNSLERid test.

CAUSE OF MD  Unknown.  Heredity and environment may have a part. Risk factors  Age.  genetics.  Race- higher among Caucasian.  Smoking.

Treatment  No cure.  Treatment is geared towards prevention and slowing the progression: diet, exercise, quitting smoking, protecting eyes from UV light. Early dry AMD  Nutritional Therapy: healthy diet high in anti oxidants, vitamins,and minerals. Treatment for wet AMD  Laser photocoagulation: seals leaking vessels.  Photodynamic therapy: seals leaking vessels while leaving health vessels intact.

Treatment: wet AMD Anti-VEGF Therapy: vascular endothelial growth factor.  Currently most affective clinical treatment.  Intraocular shot of VEGF inhibits the formation of new blood vessels.  Not painful, need anesthesia, takes about 15 mts, lasts about a month. Side effects  Infection, eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes.  Increased eye pressure.  Retinal detachment, vitreous floaters.