Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is not only one of the most serious eye diseases, but also one of the leading causes of blindness in both developed and developing countries. In AMD, the compromised ocular region is the macula, the region of the retina responsible for central vision. Therefore, individuals with AMD have severely impaired vision that results in a number of limitations in performing daily activities. The causes of the onset of AMD are multiple and complex and to date are not fully understood. However, one of the factors certainly responsible for its onset is related to oxidative stress, a condition in which the body has high concentrations of free radicals that damage cells, in this case those deputed to vision, the photoreceptors.dmle
Prevention
Prevention of AMD is possible by intervening on certain risk factors and implementing a healthy lifestyle. In particular, to reduce the risk of the onset of this disease one must:
1.when nutritional intake is inadequate, it may be appropriate to take nutritional supplements with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic actions;
2. adopt a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and exercising;
3.protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation by wearing sunglasses.
Taking nutritional supplements with antioxidant action
Several pieces of literature claim that certain elements have a strong antioxidant action that can counteract the onset of AMD. In particular, a study called AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) has demonstrated the effectiveness of a formula containing vitamins A, C, E and zinc. These trace elements exert a protective effect on retinal cells by counteracting free radical-induced damage.
2. Adopting a healthy lifestyle
One of the key factors in preventing AMD is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eliminating smoking, for example, should be one of the first changes in one's lifestyle. Smoking, in fact, seriously impairs the well-being of our organism. Moreover, several studies have found a close association between AMD and smoking, as smoking is responsible for increased oxidative stress. In addition, it is important to exercise regularly to keep body weight under control and to eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables.
3. Protect your eyes
Several studies have shown that the incidence of AMD increases with sun exposure, so wearing sunglasses with protective lenses is a useful precautionary measure in preventing AMD.
Early Diagnosis
A timely diagnosis of AMD is essential to adopt an appropriate treatment and thus safeguard the patient's eyesight. After careful evaluation of the patient's clinical symptoms, the diagnosis is made by scrupulous observation of any eye lesions using the ophthalmoscope. Diagnostic tests commonly used in the diagnosis of AMD also include:
-fluoroangiography (FAG), which allows the blood vessels of the retina to be analysed;
-indocyanine green angiography (IGC), which allows blood vessels to be analysed of the choroid (the vascularised layer located below the retina);
-Optical Coherent Radiation Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive examination that provides high-resolution tomographic layered scans of the cornea and the central part of the retina, the macula.
In addition, a test that is commonly performed because it is easy to perform is the Amsler test, which highlights one of the main symptoms of DMlE, metamorphopsia, i.e. deformed and wavy vision of straight lines.
Bibliography
National Institute for health and care excellence (NICE). Age-related macular degeneration. Nice Guideline, 2018
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
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