Age-Related macular degeneration stands for disease of the central part of retina that destroys the central vision and is associated with aging. Macular degeneration affects the yellow spot (macula) which is the place of eye˙s clearest vision.
ARMD occurs in two forms – dry (85% of all macular degeneration) and wet (15%).
The dry form of senile macular degeneration causes slow demise of retinal pigment cells and photoreceptors. Visual loss is usually gradual or may be fast if dry degeneration is advanced or turned into a wet form.
The wet form of senile macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels underneath the macula. These newly formed blood vessels are fragile, resulting in bleeding and fluid leakage. This results with image distortion and rapid loss of central vision.
GENETICS – There are certain gene mutations associated with the disease
AGE – over 60 years
GENDER – Somewhat more common in women
LIFESTYLE – smoking, obesity, exposure to UV without protection, poorly controlled hypertension and high cholesterol
The cause of this disease is the degenerative change in the yellow spot – the place of the clearest vision.
Senile macular degeneration is painless. The most common initial symptom of the dry form is blurred vision, resulting in poorer recognition of the details and things in front of you. If a large number of photoreceptors in the macula collapse, it is possible that the sufferers see the small, then the growing black spot in the center of the field of vision. On the other hand, the classic initial symptom of the wet form of senile macular degeneration is the distortion of a straight line, i.e. images, called metamorphopsia.
A complete ophthalmological examination with dilated pupils is carried out, Amsler’s grid test is given to the patient for further self-control at home, field of vision and OCT.
In the treatment of dry form, there is no specific treatment – vitamin preparations with lutein are given.
The wet form of senile macular degeneration is now effectively treated by the so-called smart drugs, or anti VEGF therapy. These drugs prevent growth of new blood vessels which stops or decreases bleeding and reduces edema, i.e. thickening of the macula. This therapy has shown the best results in the treatment of a wet form of senile macular degeneration.
For the prices of senile macular degeneration treatment, please refer to our valid pricelist
Your retinologist may sometimes, if appropriate, suggest the laser treatment of newly formed blood vessels that leak.
The Polyclinic Knezović has many years of experience with various modalities in treatment and monitoring of ARMD and the top team of experts dealing with this area. Among the first in the region, we introduced a layered ocular coherent tomography (SOCT) as a prerequisite for diagnosis and monitoring of macular pathology.
Up to this date, thousands of interventions on the back of the eye have been made, with excellent results.
Dr.sc Borna Šarić is one of the best vitreoretinal surgeons with long experience in diagnosing and treating the back ocular segment. He is a widely recognized lecturer at home and abroad at the whole spectrum of the expert meetings and pioneer in performing the most complicated procedures in the front and back part of the eye.
Patients affected by ARMD rarely lose their eyesight completely. Even with advanced macular degeneration and a more serious form of the disease, patients usually see objects in the periphery of the visual field.
The dry form, which is more common, usually progresses slower and gradually. The wet form progresses faster and sometimes may (also after treatment) recur. Therefore it is important to monitor the condition in co-operation with the retinologist.
The wet form usually progresses quite fast and without a timely treatment can greatly damage sight. The dry form of the disease is slower, but there is no specific drug for it.
If you suspect this problem please let us know.
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Poliklinika Knezović
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Ulica grada Vukovara 269f
10000 Zagreb
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