- Main symptoms
- How the treatment is done
- Natural treatment
- Types of retinal degeneration
- 1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- 2. Dry degeneration
- 3. Wet degeneration
Retinal degeneration, also called macular degeneration or just DM, is a disease that causes a reduction in the capacity of central vision, with darkening and loss of sharpness, preserving peripheral vision.
This disease is related to aging and mainly affects people over 50 years of age and, therefore, it is also often called AMD - age-related macular degeneration. However, it is also possible that it appears in young people and people with other risk factors such as cigarette use, lack of dietary vitamins, high blood pressure or intense exposure to sunlight, for example.
Despite having no cure, the treatment can improve vision and prevent the disease from worsening, and involves some options guided by the ophthalmologist, such as laser photocoagulation, medications such as corticosteroids, and intraocular injections that decrease inflammation, in addition to it is recommended to follow a diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, and omega-3, present in foods or supplements.
Main symptoms
Retinal degeneration arises when the tissue in the center of the retina, called the macula, deteriorates. Thus, the symptoms it causes include:
- Gradual loss of the ability to see objects clearly; Blurring or distorted vision in the center of vision; Appearance of a dark or empty area in the center of vision.
Although it can seriously impair vision, macular degeneration does not usually lead to total blindness, as it only affects the central region, preserving peripheral vision.
The diagnosis of this disease is made by evaluations and tests carried out by the ophthalmologist, who will observe the macula and detect the shape and degree of degeneration of each person, to plan the best treatment.
How the treatment is done
Macular degeneration has no cure, however, the follow-up and monitoring by the ophthalmologist, in scheduled consultations, should be started as soon as possible, to avoid worsening the disease.
In some cases, treatment may be indicated, which includes the use of thermal laser, corticosteroids, photocoagulation of the retina, in addition to the intraocular application of medications, such as Ranibizumab or Aflibercept, for example, which reduce the proliferation of blood vessels and inflammation.
Natural treatment
Natural treatment does not replace treatment with medications directed by an ophthalmologist, however it is important to help prevent and prevent the worsening of macular degeneration.
A diet rich in omega-3, present in fish and molluscs, in addition to antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper, present in fruits and vegetables, is recommended, as they are important elements for the health of the retina.
If the food is not enough to meet the daily needs, it is possible to consume them through supplements sold in health food stores and pharmacies, in doses recommended by the ophthalmologist.
In addition, to assist in the prevention and treatment of the disease, it is advised to follow other healthy habits such as not smoking, avoiding alcoholic beverages and protecting yourself from intense sunlight and ultraviolet radiation with appropriate sunglasses.
Types of retinal degeneration
Depending on the stage and severity of macular degeneration, it can present itself in different ways:
1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
It is the initial stage of the disease and may not cause symptoms. At this stage, the ophthalmologist can observe the existence of druses, which are a kind of waste that accumulates under the retinal tissue.
Although the accumulation of druses does not necessarily cause loss of vision, they can interfere with the health of the macula and progress to a more advanced stage, if not discovered and treated quickly.
2. Dry degeneration
It is the main form of presentation of the disease and happens when the cells of the retina die, which causes gradual loss of vision. If left untreated, this degeneration may worsen and develop, in the future, a more aggressive form.
3. Wet degeneration
This is the most serious stage of the disease, in which fluids and blood can leak from the blood vessels under the retina, which leads to scarring and loss of vision.
