Early Detection Key for Macular Degeneration, Experts Advise Self-Checks

Macular degeneration, a primary cause of vision loss in aging populations, particularly in developed nations like South Korea, is a condition affecting the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The disease can make reading and recognizing faces difficult, and in severe cases, lead to blindness.

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Macular degeneration is one of the biggest causes of blindness in developed countries, including Korea.

There are three main types: age-related, myopic, and idiopathic. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most prevalent, with aging itself being the primary risk factor. Smoking significantly increases the risk, by two to five times compared to non-smokers. While high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases may play a minor role, and the link with high cholesterol is less clear, genetic factors and family history are also important considerations.

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The risk of developing the disease can increase by two to five times for smokers compared to non-smokers.

Myopic macular degeneration occurs in individuals with high myopia, while idiopathic macular degeneration is rarer and affects younger people with no clear cause. AMD is further divided into 'dry' and 'wet' forms. The dry form often begins with subtle vision blurring, but can progress to the wet form, characterized by the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. This can cause straight lines to appear wavy (metamorphopsia) and eventually lead to blind spots in central vision.

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Patients often don't realize they have the condition until it has progressed significantly because the healthy eye compensates for the affected one.

A critical aspect of macular degeneration is that it often begins in one eye, with the other eye compensating, leading many patients to discover the disease only when it has significantly progressed. Experts recommend that individuals over 50 regularly check their vision by covering one eye at a time and looking at grids or calendars for any distortion or blurring. Early detection through methods like optical coherence tomography (OCT) is vital, as timely treatment, often involving injections, can preserve vision. Lifestyle modifications, including quitting smoking and adhering to a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish, are strongly advised for prevention and management.

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It is recommended that individuals over 50 check their vision once a week by covering one eye at a time and looking at a calendar or grid.