“To include, within the same event, all the pathologies which affect the macula seems all the more relevant to us as the examination of the fundus practiced with the patients makes it possible to diagnose a large number of them, even beyond AMD “, explains Prof. Eric Souied, head of the ophthalmology service at the intercommunal hospital of Créteil (94) and president of the France Macula Federation, on the occasion of the launch of the Macula Days, which take place from June 27 to 1st of July.
Two main risks: AMD and diabetic maculopathy
The macula is a very small area of the retina located at the back of the eye that provides clear and precise vision in daytime lighting. Several eye diseases can affect it and reduce visual acuity, but it is especially AMD and diabetic maculopathy that are the subject of early detection during National Macula Days.
“Taking the disease in its early stages, when it is still asymptomatic, optimizes your chances of keeping your vision” emphasizes the ophthalmologist.
For diabetic maculopathy, a complication of diabetes, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more effective the treatments are in slowing down vision loss or even improving it.
As for AMD, an eye disease that affects the center of the retina, it often sets in gradually, without feeling any symptoms. Making an early diagnosis slows down its development which inexorably leads to a loss of central vision.
Who can benefit from screening?
During Macula Days, ophthalmologists who are partners in the operation will therefore receive by appointment people who wish to benefit from a screening fundus with the following characteristics:
• Anyone aged 55 or over who has not been followed or has not had an examination
for over a year.
• Anyone suffering from diabetes who has not had an examination for more than
of a year.
Discover the list of partner ophthalmos on the site www.journeesmacula.fr
Read also :
5 things to know about AMD
AMD: how is it treated?