Exudative age-related macular degeneration, bilateral, with inactive scar Save

Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Bilateral, with Inactive Scar

Exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This article will provide an overview of bilateral exudative AMD with inactive scar, focusing on its causes, symptoms, and risk factors. Please note that this article does not cover treatment options for this condition.

Causes:

The exact cause of exudative AMD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Age is a significant risk factor, as the condition primarily affects older individuals. Other factors that may contribute to the development of this condition include smoking, high blood pressure, and a family history of AMD.

Symptoms:

Exudative AMD typically affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Common symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and the appearance of dark or empty areas in the central vision. In cases of bilateral exudative AMD, both eyes are affected.

Risk Factors:

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing exudative AMD. As mentioned earlier, age is a significant factor, with individuals over 50 being at higher risk. Smoking is another major risk factor that can accelerate the progression of AMD. Additionally, having a family history of the condition or certain genetic variations can increase the susceptibility to developing bilateral exudative AMD.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing exudative AMD involves a comprehensive eye examination, which may include visual acuity tests, dilated eye exams, and imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography (FA). These tests help the ophthalmologist determine if there is any fluid leakage or the presence of inactive scars in the macula.

1. Visual acuity tests: These tests measure how well you can see at various distances.
2. Dilated eye exams: During this examination, the eye doctor uses eye drops to dilate your pupils and examine the back of your eye.
3. Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to detect any fluid accumulation or scarring.
4. Fluorescein angiography (FA): In this test, a special dye is injected into a vein in your arm, and as the dye circulates through your blood vessels, it highlights any leakage or abnormalities in the retina.