Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the center of the retina, known as the macula. It is responsible for sharp vision—such as when reading, recognizing faces, or working at a computer screen. If the macula is damaged, central vision can become increasingly impaired.
Age-related macular degeneration is the most common form. It usually develops slowly, but depending on the type, it can also progress more rapidly. Early diagnosis and regular checkups are important for detecting changes in a timely manner and tailoring treatment to the individual.
Common symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Straight lines appear curved or wavy
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- A dark or blurry spot in the center of the visual field
- Diminishing contrast and color perception
- Increased need for light when reading or working
Macular degeneration
Possible causes
- Advancing age
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking
- High blood pressure or vascular disease
- High levels of UV radiation or light exposure
- Metabolic and circulatory disorders
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD for short, is a chronic condition affecting the center of the retina. It affects the macula—the area responsible for sharpest vision—and can progressively impair central vision, for example when reading, recognizing faces, or working at a computer screen.
A distinction is made between dry and wet AMD. The dry form usually progresses slowly, while the wet form can develop more rapidly and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and regular checkups are crucial for detecting changes in a timely manner and tailoring treatment to the individual.
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Surgery is usually not the standard treatment. Injections of medication into the eye are often used to reduce fluid buildup and abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula.
Possible treatments
- Injections of medication into the eye
- OCT and follow-up examinations of the macula
- Visual Acuity Test
- Treatment of fluid retention
- Individual treatment intervals based on the findings
Potential benefits
- Stabilization of central vision
- Slowing the progression of the disease
- Reduction of fluid in the macula
- Early detection of changes
- Personalized treatment
Regular follow-up visits are important after treatment. While treatment usually cannot reverse macular degeneration, it can help preserve existing vision for as long as possible.
What you can do yourself
- Have regular eye exams
- Have changes in your vision checked out early on
- Checking your central vision with the Amsler grid
- Quit smoking
- Have your blood pressure and overall health checked
- Protect your eyes from strong UV exposure
- Make sure to eat a balanced diet
When is an evaluation recommended?
It is advisable to get your eyes checked if lines suddenly appear distorted, reading becomes more difficult, or you notice a dark spot in your central field of vision. Regular checkups are also recommended if there is a family history of eye problems or as you get older.
Macular degeneration is not always curable, but depending on the type, it can often be monitored or treated. Early diagnosis, regular follow-up visits, and a personalized treatment plan are crucial.
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Common Eye Problems and Conditions
Our eyes are put under a lot of strain every day. Symptoms such as dry, red, or tired eyes, blurred vision, pain, or a sudden decline in vision should be taken seriously and evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Many eye conditions can now be detected early and treated effectively—timely diagnosis is key.
Preventive Care & Eye Exams – Regular Checkups and Early Detection
Regular eye exams help detect changes in the eye at an early stage—often before symptoms become noticeable. Conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, in particular, often develop gradually.
Poor eyesight
Refractive errors are among the most common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. They occur when light is not focused precisely on the retina. Depending on the type of refractive error, vision may be blurry up close, far away, or in both ranges. The most common types include:
- Nearsightedness / Myopia: Clear up close, blurry at a distance
- Farsightedness / Hyperopia: Distance vision is usually better, while near vision is blurry
- Astigmatism: distorted or blurry vision
- Presbyopia: difficulty reading and seeing up close starting around age 40
Refractive errors can usually be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or other methods.
Dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions and is caused by insufficient lubrication of the eye’s surface. Thanks to simple and effective treatment approaches, most patients can find relief quickly. Treating dry eye is an important part of our work, and we always tailor our care to the individual needs of each patient.
Vision problems & sudden vision loss
Vision problems can have many causes—ranging from harmless, temporary issues to serious eye conditions. In particular, a sudden decline in vision should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is crucial in some cases.
Cataracts
Cataracts, medically known as cataracts, are a natural ageing process that causes the natural lens of the eye to become cloudy. This clouding can impair vision and requires expert assessment and surgical treatment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects the optic nerve. It is often caused by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time and lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent potential blindness.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to a group of diseases that affect the macula - a crucial area of the retina that is responsible for central vision.
This region allows us to see fine details such as letters when reading, faces, colors and more. The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can occur in dry and wet forms.
In addition, certain factors such as diabetes, circulatory disorders of the retina or severe short-sightedness can increase the risk of macular diseases.
Corneal diseases
Corneal diseases affect the clear front layer of the eye and can significantly impair vision.
Common forms include:
- Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea, often accompanied by redness, pain, and blurred vision
- Keratoconus: Thinning and deformation of the cornea
- Corneal dystrophies: mostly genetically caused opacities
- Changes associated with dry eye: superficial damage caused by insufficient lubrication
- Age-related changes: for example, corneal guttata or Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
An accurate diagnosis is important for determining the appropriate treatment and preserving vision as much as possible.
Eyelid Disorders
Eyelid disorders include various types of inflammation, deformities, and changes in the eyelids. These include styes, chalazia, blepharitis, contact allergies, drooping eyelids, ptosis, eyelid deformities, and benign or malignant changes in the eyelids.
Retinal laser
Retinal laser treatment is used to specifically treat pathological changes in the retina—such as retinal holes, retinal tears, or vascular changes associated with diabetes. The goal is to stabilize the retina, prevent further damage, and preserve vision as much as possible.
YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification
After cataract surgery, vision may gradually deteriorate again. A common cause is what is known as a secondary cataract. This occurs when the posterior lens capsule—which remains in the eye after surgery and helps stabilize the artificial lens—becomes cloudy.
Dr. med. (I) Avraham Dishy
FMH specialist in ophthalmology and eye surgery
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