Age-related macular degeneration
Gandorfer, A.; Haritoglou, C.; Priglinger, S.
MMW Fortschritte der Medizin 147(21) 35-38; Quiz: 39-40
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1438-3276 PMID: 15966170 Document Number: 593619
In the western world, macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe loss of vision and blindness in persons older than 50. The underlying cause of the condition is a disturbance in the interaction between the retina and choroid of the macula. Apart from age itself, genetic disposition and smoking are confirmed risk factors. In the initial stages, the patient experiences merely a mild blurring of vision. The wet form, which is usually progressive, is experienced as an acute loss of vision or distortion of the objects viewed. Underlying this wet macular degeneration is of new vessel growth from the choroid, known as choroidal neovascularization, which as a result of exudation of fluid and bleeding into the macula, destroys central vision. Apart from the administration of vitamins to slow down progression, laser coagulation, photodynamic treatment or vitreoretinal surgery may be helpful in some cases. A specific causal therapy is, however, not available.