04/29/2021
What is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)? The is the central portion of the (ie posterior of the ) and is located anatomically between the superior and inferior arcades ( ) and just temporal (ie adjacent) to the . 👁
All is focused by the eye onto the macula. The macula contains a high of ( and ), which provides it with the necessary substrates for high and visual processing.
Whenever we are doing a intensive task such as shooting a basketball 🏀 , reading a book 📚 , playing darts 🎯, driving a car 🚙 💨, watching a movie 🎥 🍿, or looking at a loved ones face 🥰, we are using our macula to perceive the minute details that allow us to and the finer details of .
( ) occurs when the waste products of the retinal pigment epithelium ( ) accumulate and the energy-producing capacity of the cells diminishes. The blood flow from the is likely also compromised, which contributes to the problems with waste removal and energy & nutrient delivery. This accumulation of toxins and lack of nutrients leads to formation of waste deposits. The membrane gets damaged and the can migrate through the area of damaged Bruchs into the retina (they shouldn’t be in the retina!) and when they leak the retina accumulates fluid (ie becomes wet). This is called (aka wet ARMD). When this occurs the vision can acutely worsen rapidly, and if untreated can lead to tissue formation in the macula. Thankfully, as we can administer intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factors) such as becacizumab and ranibizumab, which allows for clearance of the fluid via anti-angiogenesis activity! This can treat the wet ARMD so that it is dry once again.
It is important for patients with ARMD to take eye vitamins (AREDs2 formulations) if indicated, eat a healthy diet with vitamins and minerals, exercise as safely tolerated (to maximize blood flow), wear UV (ultraviolet) protection when outdoors, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and check an AG (Amsler Grid) daily to monitor for changes. Of course they should also see their ophthalmologist regularly to monitor and treat the disease process! When one person in a family has ARMD, then everyone in the family should get screening exams from an ophthalmologist as there is a hereditary component to ARMD as well. By following these steps, we can help to minimize the deleterious effects of ARMD and to maximize our vision 💪🏼 👁 🌈 🌞
