Once the lesions have set in, they are irreversible. That’s why it’s important to spot the early symptoms of age-related macular degeneration.
Do not wait to get tested, this is the watchword of the 8th National AMD Information and Screening Days, taking place this week. Faced with the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, one should not wait more than a week before going to see an ophthalmologist. Irreversible lesions can set in. Indeed, the treatments do not make it possible to cure but to slow down the progression of the disease.
A fundus examination
AMD is the 1time cause of low vision in people over 50 years old. It affects nearly a million French people, and its incidence could be multiplied by 2 in the next 20 years due to the aging of the population.
AMD is a disease that affects the central area of the retina called the macula. It only represents 2 to 3% of the retina, and yet it transmits 90% of the visual information processed by the brain.
She specializes in particular in the vision of details and colors. AMD results in the formation of a network of blood vessels under the retina. It evolves silently. At the very beginning of the attack, in the vast majority of cases, no symptoms are noticeable. Only a fundus examination performed by an opthalmologist can then diagnose the disease. Then when it changes, visual acuity decreases.
Know how to spot the first signs
In order to see a specialist as quickly as possible, it is important to know how to spot the first symptoms. The perception of details and contrasts becomes difficult. Stronger lighting is needed to read. Straight lines warp and appear warped or wavy. From a certain stage of development of the disease, a more or less dark central spot appears and amputates the vision in the center of the visual field. Treatments, such as photocoagulation or phototherapy or even drugs, cannot restore vision. On the other hand, they make it possible to stabilize and limit the progression of AMD.
A risk multiplied from 3 to 6 in heavy smokers
In addition, advice can be given to avoid developing the disease, such as stopping smoking. Indeed, the risk seems to be multiplied by a factor of 3 to 6 in heavy smokers. Obesity also appears to increase the risks. On the other hand, we cannot act on the 1time cause of AMD, namely aging.
During this information week, ophthalmologists will receive free of charge, by appointment, people over the age of 55 who wish to be screened.
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