Age-related macular degeneration, a social disease

There are more and more cases, especially in the elderly, whose quality of life can be compromised by this disease.

It mainly affects those over 60 and if it is not treated properly it can result in the complete and irreversible loss of central vision. In Italy and in industrialized countries it is the first cause of low vision after 50 years of age.

Age-related macular degeneration is a major health problem, since it is becoming more and more frequent.

In fact, the increase in cases grows with the lengthening of the average life. According to some studies, it affects between 8.5 and 11% of people aged between 65 and 75 years. After the age of 75 it rises to 27%. And in the over 80s it is even 40-50%.

Symptoms and alarm bells

First you need more light than usual to see well, then the central view is blurred in a serious way. In the most advanced forms you can no longer read, work or, for example, cross the street alone.

There is a period when the symptoms are not very evident, so the progression of the disease leads to two different forms of AMD. The most common is the dry form, or atrophic: the retina thins progressively in the central area. This atrophy causes the formation of a ‘map’ appearance in the macular region.

The wet form, or exudative, is less frequent, but more disabling. In this case, in the central retinal area (the macula) a network of new capillaries is formed, very fragile and which can cause bleeding. The phenomenon leads to damage to vision at a central level.

Intravitreal drugs

Edoardo Midena, director of the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Hospital – University of Padua, explains: “In the form of wet AMD, bleeding can be sudden and cause rapid alteration of vision. On this problem today we intervene with intravitreal injections of drugs that counteract the formation of new vessels (anti-VEGF). The important thing is to contact the ophthalmologist immediately to have the situation evaluated. If AMD is diagnosed and treatment is required, the patient may undergo intravitreal injections at intervals and at intervals set by the specialist. It is a “circuit” of therapies and controls paid by the National Health Service. Thanks to drugs administered intravitreal, a strong slowdown in the evolution of the disease can be achieved. The treatment should be repeated for a few months.”

Midena continues: “When AMD is advanced, the quality of life is significantly compromised. Those affected often suffer from depression. Because of advanced AMD, an elderly person risks tripping and falling frequently, with all the risks that the accident entails. But an eye examination and any diagnostic tests allow us to keep the situation under control in the best way».

The Amsler lattice

A useful suggestion? A very easy examination to perform and very useful to control the evolution of the pathology over time is the so-called Amsler lattice (a checkered grid with a central point), which allows you to recognize distortions or central blind areas. “We have seen in fact – concludes the expert – that a distortion of straight lines (lines of a notebook, lines formed by floor tiles) near the center of the visual field is an alarm bell. In these cases it is important to undergo an eye medical check-up for an accurate diagnosis.”