age related macular degeneration 7

Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) Description

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is an acquired degeneration of the retina that causes significant central visual impairment through a combination of non-neovascular (drusen and retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities), and neovascular derangement (choroidal neovascular membrane formation). Advanced disease may involve focal areas of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) loss, subretinal or intraretinal fluid accumulation, and/or retinal hemorrhage.

This condition affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision, leading to a gradual decline in visual acuity. The exact cause of ARMD is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to aging, genetics, and environmental factors such as smoking and UV exposure.

Key Points:

• Acquired degeneration of the retina
• Causes significant central visual impairment
• Combination of non-neovascular and neovascular derangement
• Advanced disease may involve RPE loss, subretinal or intraretinal fluid accumulation, and/or retinal hemorrhage

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Early Signs and Symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause a range of symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Here are some common early signs and symptoms:

• Gaps or dark spots: You might notice gaps or dark spots in your vision, especially first thing in the morning [7].
• Colours fading: Colours may appear less vibrant or fade away altogether [7].
• Missing words or objects: When reading, you might find that words are missing in the middle or objects are not visible in your central vision [6].

These symptoms can be subtle and may not be immediately noticeable. However, if left untreated, AMD can progress to more severe forms of the disease, leading to significant vision loss.

Important: If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult an eye doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They will assess your retina and determine if any treatment is necessary [9].

References: [6] - Some early signs can be loss of central vision. A person may notice that when they're reading, words may be missing in the middle. Or when they' ... [7] - What are the symptoms? · Gaps or dark spots (like a smudge on glasses) may appear in your vision, especially first thing in the morning. · Colours can fade. · You ... [9] For age-related macular degeneration, you should see an eye doctor. They will look at your retina to determine if any treatment is necessary, and they may refer you to a retinal specialist.

Diagnostic Tests for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be diagnosed using several tests and examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect AMD:

• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): This test uses a special dye to highlight blood vessels in the retina, allowing doctors to see if there are any leaks or abnormalities.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that takes high-resolution pictures of the retina, helping doctors to detect changes and monitor progression of AMD.
• Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging (AF): This test uses a special camera to take pictures of the retina, highlighting areas where there may be damage or disease.

These tests are usually performed by an eye health professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can help doctors diagnose AMD and monitor its progression over time.

• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) is used to detect leaking blood vessels in the wet type of AMD [7].
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that takes high-resolution pictures of the retina, helping doctors to detect changes and monitor progression of AMD [5].
• Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging (AF) is used to take pictures of the retina, highlighting areas where there may be damage or disease [8].

Treatment Options for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

There are four drugs in use for treating DMO (Dry Macular Degeneration): Lucentis (ranibizumab), Eylea (aflibercept), Beovu (Brolucizumab), and Vabysmo (faricimab). These medications act on the blood vessels in the eye to slow down vision loss.

• Lucentis (Ranibizumab): This medication is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection that helps stop the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the eye. [7]
• Eylea (Aflibercept): Similar to Lucentis, Eylea is also an anti-VEGF injection that blocks the production of VEGF, a protein that promotes the growth of new blood vessels. [8]
• Beovu (Brolucizumab): This medication is another anti-VEGF injection that targets the VEGF pathway to slow down vision loss in DMO patients. [7]
• Vabysmo (Faricimab): This is a first-in-class bispecific antibody that targets both angiopoietin 2 and VEGF-A, two proteins involved in the growth of new blood vessels. [9]

These medications are administered via injection into the eye and have been shown to be effective in slowing down vision loss in patients with DMO. However, it's essential to note that these treatments do not cure AMD but rather manage its progression.

References:

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Differential Diagnosis of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be challenging to diagnose, and it's essential to consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. Here are some differential diagnoses for AMD:

• Other genetic macular diseases: Stargardt disease, Best disease, pattern dystrophy, and others [1].
• Angioid streaks: These are breaks in Bruch's membrane that can cause vision loss and are often associated with systemic conditions like pseudoxanthoma elasticum [2].
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR): This is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid under the retina, leading to visual disturbances [3].
• Choroidal Melanoma: A type of cancer that affects the choroid layer of the eye and can cause vision loss [4].
• Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV): This is a condition where new blood vessels grow under the retina, causing vision loss [5].

It's essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected AMD. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests can help differentiate between these conditions.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 2 [4] Context 3 [5] Context 2