Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Question 1

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Answer 1

Age-related macular degeneration is degeneration of the macula, the central area of the retina.

Question 2

What are the complications of age-related macular degeneration?

Answer 2

Age-related macular degeneration causes distortion (metamorphopsia) and eventual loss of central vision (Scotomas)

Question 3

What is “dry” age-related macular degeneration?

Answer 3

Dry age-related macular degeneration is deposition of yellowish extracellular material in and between the Bruch membrane and retinal pigment epithelium, referred to as drusens, with gradual decrease in vision. Nonexudative, more than 80% of cases

Question 4

How can you prevent progression of dry age-related macular degeneration?

Answer 4

Progression of dry age-related macular degeneration can be prevented with multivitamins and antioxidant supplements.

Question 5

What is wet age-related macular degeneration?

Answer 5

Wet age-related macular degeneration is rapid loss of vision due to bleeding secondary to choroidal neovascularization.

Question 6

How can wet age-related macular degeneration be treated?

Answer 6

Treat wet age-related macular degeneration with anti-VEGF injections, ranibizumab.