Question by Justme: I have Vascular degenerative disease in my eyes, glaucoma, dry eye due to diabetes, & cataracts?
Just today I’ve developed a black spot that moves from the middle of my left eye to the outside corner, it’s really driving me nuts. Does anyone have any idea which of my eye problems could cause this? I would appreciate any help.
Best answer:
Answer by Tin S
Definition
Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that damages the center of the retina, which is called the macula. This makes it difficult to see fine details.
Alternative Names
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), AMD. Senile macular degeneration (SMD) is an older name that is no longer in common use.
Causes, Incidence, And Risk Factors
The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. It changes light and images that enter the eye into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The macula is the part of the retina that makes our vision sharper and more detailed.
Macular degeneration is caused by damage to the area around blood vessels that supply the macula. This change in the blood vessels damages the macula.
Two phases of macular degeneration (AMD) exist:
Dry macular degeneration occurs when the blood vessels under the macula become thin and brittle. Small yellow deposits, called drusen, form under the macula. As these drusen increase in size and number, they create a blurred and dim spot in the central vision of the eye. Almost all people with macular degeneration start with the dry form.
Wet macular degeneration occurs in only about 10% of people with macular degeneration. Brittle vessels break down and new abnormal and very fragile blood vessels grow under the macula. This is called choroidal neovascularization. These vessels leak blood and fluid, which leads to damage of the macula. Although only about 10 percent of people with macular degeneration have this form, it causes most of the vision loss associated with the condition.
Scientists aren’t sure what causes AMD. The disease is most common in people over 60, which is why it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration.
In addition to heredity, other risk factors are:
Caucasian race
Cigarette smoking
High-fat diet
Female gender
Obesity
Symptoms
At first you may not have symptoms. As the disease progresses, your central vision may be affected.
The most common symptom in dry AMD is blurred vision. This is limited to the center of the field of vision. Often objects in the central vision look distorted and dim, and colors look faded. A patient may have trouble reading print or seeing other details, but can generally see well enough to walk and perform most routine activities.
As the disease becomes worse, you may need more light to read or perform everyday tasks. The blurred spot in the center of vision gradually gets larger and darker. In the later stages, you may not be able to recognize faces until people are close to you.
AMD typically does not affect side (peripheral) vision. This is very important, because it means you will never have complete vision loss from this disease.
The most common early symptom of wet macular degeneration is that straight lines appear distorted and wavy. You may also notice a small dark spot in the center of your vision that gradually gets larger. Central vision loss can occur very quickly. If this occurs, you urgently need evaluation by an ophthalmologist with experience in retina disease.
ranibizumab (Lucentis) are injected into the eye to stabilize or improve vision. This is a painless process.
Its very expensive , but it works , keeps you from going blind.
Tin
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