Macular degeneration can affect one or both eyes and is a very common cause of reduced vision in Ireland. It affects central vision but not the side vision. Vision can be significantly impaired, however, in many cases
it does not lead to complete blindness. The macula is a part of the retina, the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye, which receives images and transmits them to the brain. It is responsible for central vision such as seeing fine details, reading, writing, interpreting colours, making out facial features and shapes. With macular degeneration, the cells within the macula deteriorate which can cause varying amounts of blurred vision and varying loss of central
vision. What are the causes of macular degeneration?The exact causes of the condition are not known. It is thought that as we get older the macula degenerates (wear and tear) which causes the macula to deteriorate, therefore affecting vision. Some contributing factors of macular degeneration include:
What are the different types of macular degeneration?There are 3 types of macular degeneration:
What are the symptoms of AMD?A person with AMD is likely to have varying degrees of vision problems such as:
End-stage AMDEnd-stage AMD is the most advanced form of the disease. It can result in severe loss of central vision sight. Side vision or peripheral vision, is not affected by AMD. However, due to the low resolution or quality of sight it provides, it is not enough to compensate for the loss of central vision. Unfortunately at present there are no drugs or treatments available to cure end-stage AMD. What are the symptoms of end-state AMD?
How is end-stage AMD diagnosed? Generally an optician or GP are the first to detect the signs of macular degeneration in a patient. These could be such changes as "black spots" appearing in your line of vision or if you are seeing what should be straight lines as broken or distorted. If macular degeneration is suspected, you will be referred to a retinal consultant specialist where further testing will be carried out. At Mater Private Retinal Clinic a variety of examinations are used for the diagnosis of retinal conditions such as macular degeneration incuding:
Following these initial tests, a series of retinal examinations will be carried out in order to investigate what damage, if any, macular degeneration has caused:
What treatments are available for macular degeneration?A combination of treatment and lifestyle measures are used to help manage and treat the effects of macular degeneration:
Which is an accurate clinical manifestation of a retinal detachment?Primary symptoms include: blurred vision. partial vision loss, which makes it seem as if a curtain has been pulled across your field of vision, with a dark shadowing effect. sudden flashes of light that appear in one or both eyes.
Which of the following eye disorders is caused by an elevated intraocular pressure IOP )?Open-angle glaucoma
If that system is blocked or isn't functioning well, the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) builds, which in turn damages the optic nerve. With the most common type of glaucoma, this results in gradual vision loss.
Which medication classification increases aqueous fluid outflow in the client with glaucoma?Specifically, the prostamides, prostaglandin analogs, and parasympathomimetics increase aqueous outflow. Beta-blockers and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) suppress aqueous formation, and α-adrenergic agonists lower IOP by both decreasing aqueous production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.
Which of the following occurs when there is deviation from perfect ocular alignment?Strabismus occurs when the eye deviates (moves) from its normally perfect alignment. This is commonly known as a squint.
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