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Macular Degeneration
The macula, located at the center of the retina, contains the majority of the light-sensitive
photoreceptor cells and is responsible for central vision. It accounts for about 90% of our
vision and plays a crucial role in recognizing objects and distinguishing colors.

When the macula undergoes degeneration due to aging, genetic factors, high blood pressure,
smoking, or other causes, symptoms such as vision loss, visual distortions, and central
scotomas can occur, potentially leading to blindness in severe cases. Macular degeneration is
particularly common among individuals over 50 and is one of the leading causes of vision
loss. Therefore, regular eye exams are essential to detect and monitor the presence and
progression of this condition.

Classification and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can be classified based on the presence of choroidal neovascularization beneath
the retina into dry (non-exudative) and wet (exudative) forms.

In the wet form, abnormal blood vessels proliferate, leading to subretinal hemorrhage and fluid
accumulation, which can result in symptoms such as vision loss, visual distortions, central scotomas,
gaps in the visual field, decreased ability to distinguish objects, and reduced contrast sensitivity.

  • 干性黄斑变性

    Dry Macular Degeneration

    Dry macular degeneration occurs when drusen, which are deposits of fatty waste, accumulate on the retina. This accumulation disrupts the normal supply of oxygen and nutrients to the retinal cells, leading to their deterioration. It affects approximately 80% of individuals with macular degeneration and can progress to wet macular degeneration, requiring careful monitoring.

  • 湿性黄斑变性

    Wet Macular Degeneration

    Wet macular degeneration is characterized by the abnormal growth of new blood vessels beneath the retina, leading to bleeding or fluid leakage. Although it affects only about 20% of all macular degeneration patients, it progresses rapidly and has a higher risk of causing blindness compared to dry macular degeneration. Therefore, immediate treatment is essential.

Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is diagnosed through several methods including fundus photography, autofluorescence imaging, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). For dry macular degeneration, it is crucial to regularly perform these tests to monitor any potential progression to wet macular degeneration.

Treatment Methods for Macular Degeneration

For dry macular degeneration, taking eye supplements containing lutein and undergoing laser therapy can help minimize disease progression and prevent it from advancing to the wet form.

In contrast, if wet macular degeneration occurs, more aggressive treatments are required to preserve vision. These may include intravitreal injections of antibodies to inhibit new blood vessel growth, as well as treatments such as thrombolytic therapy, laser therapy, and vitrectomy. Antibody injections are beneficial as they can help maintain and even improve vision without surgery, though they typically require repeated treatments every month.

Preventing Macular Degeneration

To prevent macular degeneration, it's important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses when outdoors and to manage cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure. Additionally, maintaining regular
exercise, consuming green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and antioxidants can contribute to eye health.

  • 外出时佩戴墨镜

    Sunglasses when going out

  • 定期锻炼

    Regular exercise

  • 摄入蔬菜与水果

    Eat vegetables and fruit

  • 服用抗氧化剂

    Antioxidants

  • 禁烟

    Non-smoking

  • 定期检查高血压

    Regular blood pressure checks

外出时佩戴墨镜

Sunglasses when going out

外出时佩戴墨镜

Regular exercise

外出时佩戴墨镜

Eat vegetables and fruit

外出时佩戴墨镜

Antioxidants

外出时佩戴墨镜

Non-smoking

外出时佩戴墨镜

Regular blood pressure checks

Amsler Grid Self-Diagnosis

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss, and timely treatment is crucial.
Since symptoms are often subtle in the early stages, regular self-checks are advisable.

격자 자가진단

To perform the test:
Wear your regular glasses or contact lenses.
Hold the Amsler grid approximately 30 cm away from your eyes.
Cover one eye and focus on the central dot in the middle of the grid.
Observe how the grid lines appear around the central dot.
Repeat the test with the other eye.

If you notice any of the following symptoms during the self-diagnosis,
you should seek a comprehensive eye examination.

  • 선이 휘어진 모습으로 보임

    Lines appear wavy
    or distorted

  • 중심 시야가 보이지 않는 경우

    A blank or dark area
    in the central vision

Q & A

  • Q What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

    Macular degeneration can cause lines to appear distorted or wavy, and there may be sudden blurriness or darkening in the center of your vision, leading to a decrease in visual acuity.

  • Q What is the macula?

    The macula is the central part of the retina where the photoreceptor cells are concentrated, making it crucial for vision. If the macula is healthy, vision can remain normal even if the peripheral retina is damaged. Conversely, if the macula is damaged, vision can be impaired even if the peripheral retina is intact.

  • Q What do dry and wet macular degeneration mean?

    Wet macular degeneration refers to the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the choroid layer of the retina, leading to bleeding and fluid leakage under the retina. Dry macular degeneration, on the other hand, involves degeneration and atrophy of the macular area without the growth of new blood vessels. Wet macular degeneration generally has a worse prognosis and can progress more rapidly than dry macular degeneration.

  • Q What kind of injection is used for treatment
    when macular degeneration is present?

    In cases of wet macular degeneration, injections are given to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes the growth of harmful blood vessels. These injections are antibodies that target and block VEGF to help control the condition.

  • Q Is it painful to get an intraocular injection?

    Intraocular injections are relatively simple procedures performed after applying anesthetic eye drops. While there may be some mild discomfort during the injection, it generally does not involve significant pain.

  • Q Does receiving an intravitreal injection just once treat the condition?

    Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections typically have an effect that lasts around 1 to 2 months. Therefore, most patients require repeated injections for ongoing treatment and management of their condition.

  • Q Does taking lutein have an effect on treating macular degeneration?

    Lutein is a nutrient necessary for maintaining retinal pigment density and is found in high amounts in marigold tea, lettuce, and perilla leaves. While lutein is a beneficial nutrient, it is not a treatment for macular degeneration. Taking lutein may not cure macular degeneration but can potentially help in preventing further progression, especially in cases of moderate or advanced macular degeneration.

  • Q Can macular degeneration be fully cured?

    Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that cannot be fully cured. If left untreated, the growth of new blood vessels can continue, leading to further damage from bleeding and fluid accumulation, which may result in vision loss. Therefore, regular check-ups and treatments are crucial to managing the condition and slowing its progression.
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