Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a disease that causes progressive degeneration of the macula.Macula is the central part of the retina that allows us to see fine details.Many people develop Macular Degeneration as part of body's ageing process.This condition ,which is the commonest cause of blindness in the Western World after the age of 65 ,is now becoming common in our country too .In the past ,treatment for ARMD was limited ,but extensive research on the subject has made its management possible ,thereby helping the elderly retain their vision and improve their quality of life .
With improvements in socio-economic conditions ,comes longevity and with longevity incidences of Age Related Macular Degeneration increase.
Forms of Macular Degeneration
The two most common types of Age Related Macular Degeneration are :
(1)Dry Macular Degeneration (Atrophic): This form is the more common form of the disease and accounts for 90% of all ARMD.It is caused by ageing and thinning of the tissues of the macula .Vision loss is usually gradual and may take years .Low vision aids may help the patient in reading and near vision work .
(2)Wet Mcular Degeneration (Exudative ):This form is characterised by development of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retinal pigment epithelial layer .These vessels can bleed and eventually cause scarring ,leading to profound loss of central vision in weeks to months .Hence ,Wet ARMD needs to be treated as early as possible .
This form is characterised by choroidal Neovasculariztion (CNV),the development of abnormal blood vessels beneath the Retinal Pigment Epithelium(RPE) layer of the retina .These vessels can bleed and eventually cause macular scarring which can result in profound loss of central vision (disciform scar).
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With improvements in socio-economic conditions ,comes longevity and with longevity incidences of Age Related Macular Degeneration increase.
Forms of Macular Degeneration
The two most common types of Age Related Macular Degeneration are :
(1)Dry Macular Degeneration (Atrophic): This form is the more common form of the disease and accounts for 90% of all ARMD.It is caused by ageing and thinning of the tissues of the macula .Vision loss is usually gradual and may take years .Low vision aids may help the patient in reading and near vision work .
(2)Wet Mcular Degeneration (Exudative ):This form is characterised by development of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retinal pigment epithelial layer .These vessels can bleed and eventually cause scarring ,leading to profound loss of central vision in weeks to months .Hence ,Wet ARMD needs to be treated as early as possible .
This form is characterised by choroidal Neovasculariztion (CNV),the development of abnormal blood vessels beneath the Retinal Pigment Epithelium(RPE) layer of the retina .These vessels can bleed and eventually cause macular scarring which can result in profound loss of central vision (disciform scar).
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