CAMAGÜEY.- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of the macula that causes a progressive decrease in central vision. The macula is a small area located in the center of the retina responsible for the central vision of fine details. This condition is one of the main causes of blindness in older adults in developed countries. This was explained by Dr. Denisse del Carmen Álvarez Ortiz, First Degree specialist in Ophthalmology and Comprehensive General Medicine (MGI), from the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital in this city.

—The also Master in Satisfactory Longevity and Professor Instructor, she referred to the symptoms and pointed out:

—It is a painless disease and at first, it can be asymptomatic. Patients complain of blurred vision, a central dark spot in the center of vision, distorted objects, and wavy straight lines. This leads to difficulty performing daily life tasks such as reading, writing, sewing, and driving. Symptoms progress slowly and can affect one or both eyes.

—When to go to a doctor for this reason?

—You should go to the ophthalmologist when you feel some of the aforementioned symptoms. But, as it is a disease related to aging, it is recommended that people over 50 years of age attend an ophthalmological consultation annually for early diagnosis.

- Is there only one type of this ailment?

—There are two types of AMD; one, dry or atrophic, which is the most frequent type; and the other, the wet or exudative one, which is more severe.

- Does it have a predilection for sex or skin color?

—It affects both sexes, although it can be seen more in women and Caucasians.

- Can it be hereditary?

—A higher incidence is observed in patients with a family history of it.

-Is lost vision corrected?

—There is no cure. With treatment, its progression can be delayed and vision can improve.

—Drug treatment or surgery?

—As it is not curable, treatment depends on the type of AMD. In the case of dry or atrophic, it is suggested antioxidant vitamin complexes and a healthy diet are. In the case of wet or exudative, treatment is with intravitreal drug injections, a procedure that is performed in the operating room, which stops the progression of the disease.

— Are there risk factors for developing the disease?

—They are diverse, such as age, smoking, family history of the disease, inadequate diet (intake of foods rich in fat, and cholesterol, ), high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle.

—Can the disease be prevented?

—AMD does not have prevention itself, although an early diagnosis and treatment suppose a better visual prognosis, for which it is advisable to request periodic check-ups, as I pointed out, once a year from the fifth decade of life. It is also recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals, a healthy diet, avoid smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.