Macular Degeneration: Causes of vision loss in elders

Symptoms and signs

Age-related macular degeneration usually produces a slow, painless loss of vision. In some cases, vision loss can be unexpected. Early signs of vision loss include shadowy areas in central vision or unusually fuzzy or distorted vision.

An ophthalmologist often detects early signs of macular degeneration before symptoms crop up. Usually this is achieved with the help of a retinal exam. When macular degeneration is assumed, a brief test of central vision may be performed. If doctor detects some defect in the central vision, such as distortion or blurriness they may suggest a fluorescent angiography to examine the retinal blood vessels surrounding the macula.

Individuals at risk

Apart from affecting older people, age related macular degeneration is seen particularly in females. The disease can also be genetic or occur as a constant use of some drugs. New studies have shown smoking topping the list of risk factors for macular degeneration. There are other factors responsible for this disease such as family history, high blood pressure, obesity and lighter eye colour. Some researchers believe excessive exposure to sunlight as a contributing factor of macular degeneration, but this belief has not yet been proven. High levels of dietary fat also may be a risk factor.

Risk factors for macular degeneration

• An early sign of “dry” macular degeneration is formation of yellow spots in the back of the eye or retina. Formation of abnormal blood vessels and leakage in the back of the eye are linked to “wet” macular degeneration, affecting the macula where fine focusing occurs.
• Age is one of the top-most causes of macular degeneration. Significant vision loss accompanying more advanced forms of age-related macular degeneration increases from less than 1% among people in their 60s.
• Fatty people with macular degeneration are more vulnerable of developing advanced forms of macular degeneration compared with people with normal body weight, according to one study reported. In the similar study, those who performed rigorous activity thrice weekly reduced their risk of developing advanced macular degeneration, compared with inactive and lethargic patients.
• As mentioned earlier, studies have found a relation between different genes present in some people and macular degeneration. Studies of fraternal and identical twins may also demonstrate that heredity is a factor in people who develop AMD and how severe it can become later on.
• High blood pressure or Hypertension may be associated with the development of macular degeneration.
• Smoking is a major cause for macular degeneration with studies showing smokers are far more susceptible to advanced macular degeneration.
• Side effects of certain drugs such as Aralen, Thorazine, Proxilin, Stelazine are linked with developing macular degeneration. 

The Treatment

There has not been sure-shot way to cure age related macular degeneration. However, some treatments may delay its progression or improve vision. Treatments depend on the degree of disease, whether it is in early or latter stage. 

Common eye problems in older age

Eye problems are common in older age and can seriously affect your quality of life. Many eye conditions are treatable, and some require urgent action. Here are some of the more common eye conditions:

1. Age-related cataracts: A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the front bit of your eye. The causes are unknown. However, certain factors like smoking, overexposing your eyes to sunlight, taking steroid drugs for a long time, a history of cataracts in your family or poor diet may all play a role. When you develop cataracts, you may notice a ‘glare’ in bright light or when you drive at night and you may have difficulty differentiating objects in low light.
2. Age-related macular degeneration: This condition affects an area in the back of your eye called the macula. You’re at higher risk of developing it if, among other factors, you smoke, drink more than four units of alcohol a day or have been exposed to lots of sunlight in your life. You may find that straight edges such as bookshelves or door frames look distorted, or that your vision is generally more blurred. You may also develop blind spots. Consult your ophthalmologist for more details.
3. Chronic glaucoma: In this condition you have an increased pressure in one or both of your eyes – often caused by fluid within your eye not draining away freely. You may not notice this problem at first, but if left for too long, glaucoma may permanently affect your vision (which is why the condition is known as ‘the thief of sight’).
4. Diabetes: Too much sugar in your blood can lead to chronic eye problems, with damage to the back of your eye (called diabetic retinopathy) being an important one.
5. Dry eyes: In dry eye syndrome (or keratoconjunctivitis sicca), your tears drain away or evaporate too fast. You may notice grittiness, tearing of your eyes and redness. We don’t know what causes dry eyes, but ageing, hormonal changes, illnesses and medicines are all thought to play a role. 

If you suffer from eye problems, consulting your eye specialist is usually best. Seek medical advice immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

• You suddenly lose your vision fully or partially.
• You have a headache in addition to any visual symptoms.
• You can’t think straight in connection with your eye problem.
• You have a painful eye at the same time as loss of vision.