AMD

Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of sight loss in people over 50. This condition develops in a quarter of sixty-year-olds, painlessly destroying their eyesight.

The first symptom of AMD is a distortion of the image seen and a spot appearing in front of the eye, vision initially loses its sharpness and becomes indistinct. The the patient only sees what is under his feet and above him, as a black hole appears in between.

The causes of AMF are not fully known, but there are factors which contribute to the development of the disease.

• arteriosclerosis
• high blood pressure
• genetic predisposition to the disease
• smoking
• sex – the disease affects women more frequently
• race – white people are more vulnerable to the disease
• stress
• the patient’s age
• high cholesterol

AMD occurs in two forms:

• dry – milder and slower to proceed. This is caused by the macular blood vessels and photoreceptors gradually dying off.
• exudative – this occurs more rarely, but works up a rapid tempo. The sight can be lost within a matter of weeks.

Patients who have experienced the initial symptoms, or who have cases of the disease in their family, should take an Amsler test systematically (once a week).

This is extremely useful in early detection of the changes connected with AMD.

If, when you look through one eye, you see parts of the image missing, distorted lines or other improprieties, you should report to an ophthalmologist immediately,