Do you also feel like your eyesight is changing a little as you get older? Sometimes when you look at a book or newspaper, do you feel like the letters are not clear, or do you feel like you see things up close? Although these are normal things that happen as you get older, sometimes this can be something you need to be a little more concerned about. Well, this is a serious condition that happens inside the eye called wet macular degeneration, or `(Wet Macular Degeneration - WMD)`. Let's talk about this in more detail today.
What is Wet Macular Degeneration?
Simply put, wet macular degeneration is a more severe, more advanced form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), a condition that affects our eyes as we age. Now you may be wondering what ARMD is. It is a condition that causes damage to the macula , a part of the eye that helps us see clearly as we age.
So, when this condition becomes severe, that is, when wet macular degeneration (WMD) occurs, new, but unhealthy, weak blood vessels begin to form under the membrane called the retina inside the eye. Because these new blood vessels are very weak, they begin to leak blood and fluids. This leaking blood and fluids can damage the cells in the retina and cause loss of our vision, especially central vision . To be precise, this is what you see when you look straight ahead.
Imagine, when you look at someone's face, the middle of the face is blurred, and you can barely see the things around it. That's what happens in this case.
This bleeding can also cause scar tissue to form. This can further damage the macula, causing vision to worsen. Over time, this bleeding and scar tissue can lead to permanent vision loss. However, if it is recognized and treated early , this permanent damage can be prevented, or vision can be stopped from getting worse. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your vision, it is very important to see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) as soon as possible.
Other names that doctors use for this disease are ``exudative macular degeneration'' and ``neovascular macular degeneration. ``Exudate'' is the medical term for "leaking fluid." That's where the name comes from.
How common is this disease?
The risk of developing `(ARMD)` increases as we age. In fact, it is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60. About 10% to 20% of people with `(ARMD)` develop the wet form `(WMD).` That means between 10 and 20 million people worldwide suffer from this disease.
What are the symptoms of wet macular degeneration?
This condition, called ``(WMD),'' causes painless loss of central vision . It can affect both eyes, but sometimes one eye is more affected than the other.
Here are some of the main symptoms:
- Seeing dark spots or floaters before the eyes .
- Blurry vision , especially when looking up close.
- Fading or decreased color vision . You may not be able to distinguish between blue and yellow.
- Distorted vision / metamorphopsia . For example, the bars of a window may appear to be stretched.
- Seeing things smaller than they really are (micropsia) .
- Darkened areas of vision .
- Blind spots / scotomas .
- Complete central vision loss, with only peripheral vision remaining .
If you have one or more of these symptoms, be sure to see an ophthalmologist immediately.
What are the causes of wet macular degeneration?
It is difficult to pinpoint a single cause for this condition, ``(WMD).`` Instead, many risk factors combine to increase the likelihood of developing this disease.
Here are some of those risk factors and contributing factors:
- Age : As you get older, you become more likely to develop any type of macular degeneration.
- Genetic influence and family history : Certain changes (mutations) in the genes (DNA) you inherit from your parents may increase your risk of developing WMD. If someone in your family has had the disease, you are more likely to develop it.
- Race : People of European descent are at the highest risk of developing (WMD). People of African descent are less likely to develop it.
- Nutrition : Deficiencies in certain vitamins (especially vitamins C and E) , minerals ( copper and zinc ), and vitamin A components or related nutrients (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin) may contribute to WMD.
- Geographic location : If you live closer to the equator, your overall light exposure is higher. This can also be a contributing factor.
- Some habits : Tobacco use can contribute to the development of (WMD).
- Other health conditions : Conditions such as high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), high blood pressure (hypertension), and cardiovascular disease (cardiovascular disease) can contribute to WMD. There is still mixed evidence on whether diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus - Type 1 and Type 2) also contributes.
What are the complications of this disease?
The main complication of wet macular degeneration is the loss of central vision . If left untreated, between 80% and 90% of people with WMD will eventually lose their vision to the point of being legally blind. This means their vision is so impaired that they cannot perform daily tasks.
How to diagnose wet macular degeneration?
An eye specialist, for example an ophthalmologist or a retina specialist, can diagnose WMD using a combination of several methods.
The first step is a routine eye exam . During this time, they can look directly at your retina. This can be done using a handheld instrument called an ophthalmoscope , or by dilating your pupil and performing a slit lamp exam . They can also use a simple grid called an Amsler grid eye test . This can help you identify any distortions in your vision (the grid appears stretched due to distortions in your retina).
In addition to an eye exam and slit lamp examination, an ophthalmologist can also perform noninvasive diagnostic imaging tests. These can look at the internal structures and blood vessels at the back of your eye. Some of the tests that may be done include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) : This is like a scan that takes cross-sectional images of the inside of the eye.
- Fluorescein angiography : This involves injecting a dye into a vein in your arm and taking pictures as it passes through the blood vessels inside your eye.
- Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) : This is a test that uses another type of dye, similar to the previous one.
How is this treated?
Wet macular degeneration is a highly treatable disease if detected early . There are two main ways to treat WMD: medications and laser procedures .
Medications work by blocking a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) , which our bodies use to make new blood vessels. When VEGF is blocked, new blood vessels stop forming. These medications are given by injection directly into your eye . Don't be afraid, even though they say they're injected into your eye, they're done by numbing your eye so much that you don't feel it.
Here are some types of drugs that block VEGF:
- `Aflibercept`
- `Bevacizumab`
- `Brolucizumab`
- `Faricimab`
- `Ranibizumab`
The goal of laser treatment for WMD is to stop the growth of new blood vessels and, if possible, shrink them. Whether you can have laser surgery depends on where the new blood vessels are under your macula and several other factors. However, injections are now more common than laser treatments.
Your eye specialist can best explain your treatment options. The information they provide is the most relevant and helpful for your specific condition. They will also tell you about possible side effects or complications and which treatment will help you the most.
What is the outlook for wet macular degeneration?
The outlook for the condition `(WMD)`, that is, how well it will recover or what its vision will be like, depends on several factors. These are:
- How bad is your `(WMD)` situation.
- Where in your macula is the damage?
- Treatment options you can get, or are already receiving.
- Other health conditions you have.
Because so many factors affect your vision, your outlook can vary greatly. Your eye specialist can tell you what your outlook will be based on your specific situation.
Can wet macular degeneration be prevented?
Because there are many factors and risk factors that contribute to the development of `(WMD)`, it is impossible to completely prevent it. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing it or delay its development.
Some of the most important things you can do to prevent or delay AMD start when you have dry macular degeneration, the less severe form of AMD. Here are some steps your eye doctor may recommend:
- Use an Amsler grid every day . Your eye doctor can give you an Amsler grid to use at home and show you how to use it. If you notice any changes or distortions in your vision, you should contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. Doing so can reduce the risk of irreversible retinal damage and vision loss.
- Visit your eye doctor for regular eye exams . This can help detect WMD at an early stage.
- Take daily dietary supplements . These usually contain vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. (Do not take beta-carotene if you smoke, as it increases your risk of lung cancer.)
- Stop using tobacco, or don't start . This includes all forms of tobacco/nicotine use, including vaping and smokeless tobacco. Your doctor can tell you about resources to help you quit.
- Wear sunglasses . Sun exposure can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration (MWD). Sunglasses can reduce the effects of sunlight on your eyes.
- Stay active . Physical activity helps your health in many ways, including the health of your retina.
- Maintain a healthy weight . Many of the contributing factors that increase your risk of developing (WMD) are related to your overall physical health.
There are other things you can do to help prevent vision loss from WMD. If you have any questions or concerns about what you can do, ask your eye doctor. He or she can provide you with guidance and resources that can help.
How do I take care of myself if I have wet macular degeneration?
When you start to lose your vision due to (WMD), it can be very disruptive. It can affect your ability to live independently and your normal daily routine and activities.
If you have already lost your sight due to `(WMD)`, there are still things you can do to help yourself. These are:
- Ask your eye doctor about low vision rehabilitation . This is like physical or occupational therapy, but for your eyes. This type of rehabilitation teaches you to adapt to and work around changes in your vision that you already have.
- Use tools and technology . Low-tech items like magnifying glasses or lenses can make everyday tasks and activities easier. High-tech items like smartphone apps or special electronic devices can also help you adapt to your vision loss or changes. Your eye doctor can give you specific advice and information about what tools (high-tech or low-tech) might be helpful for you.
- Take advantage of the resources and help available to you . Depending on where you live, there may be government and independent organizations that can help you with your daily needs. Using them can help you live independently and make your life easier.
When should I see my ophthalmologist?
Your eye doctor will recommend a follow-up visit schedule to manage your WMD condition and adjust your treatment if necessary. These visits are very important to limit vision loss.
Also, if you notice changes in your vision, for example, distortions that appear when you test your eyes with an Amsler grid, you should contact your eye specialist immediately .
What questions should I ask my ophthalmologist?
Here are some questions you may want to ask your ophthalmologist:
- How bad is my `(WMD)` condition?
- What is the likely timeline for vision loss, and what can I do to reduce or limit the damage?
- Does the location of changes in the macula affect possible treatments or the chances of those treatments being successful?
- How can I limit further damage?
- What resources and help can I get?
- Will I benefit from vision rehabilitation therapy?
Vision is a sense that many people use throughout their daily lives, often without even thinking about it. Losing your vision can be a frustrating and frustrating experience. However, there are things you can do to limit the damage, prevent further vision loss, and adapt to the changes that are already occurring.
The best way to learn about what you can do about this condition is to talk to your eye doctor. He or she will guide you through steps and changes that can help you. You don't have to deal with this condition or its effects alone, they are there to help you.
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's summarize some of the key points you need to remember from what we've talked about:
- Wet macular degeneration (WMD) is a severe form of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). It is a condition in which new, weak blood vessels form inside the eye, which can leak blood and cause loss of central vision.
- Symptoms may include black spots in front of the eyes, blurred vision, and blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
- If this is recognized early, it can be treated . There are eye medications, injections, and laser treatments.
- There are things you can try to prevent , such as eating a good diet, avoiding smoking, wearing sunglasses, and getting regular eye exams.
- If you have this condition, it is very important to stay in regular contact with your eye doctor and follow their advice. There are also methods and devices that can help you live with low vision.
So, taking care of your eyes is in your hands. If you have any doubts or problems, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
` Macular degeneration, wet macular degeneration, WMD, ARMD, eyesight, eye diseases, macula
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