Age-related macular degeneration

The macula lutea (yellow spot) is a prominent area on the retina. It is the “center” of the retina, where the photoreceptors responsible for sharp vision (and color vision), the cones, are most densely located. The macula also has a special blood supply; there are no blood vessels in its center (the fovea). This is why it is one of the most sensitive areas of the eye.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD, "calcification of the fundus") is a disease associated with the degeneration of this area, and is one of the most common causes of blindness in Hungary (and generally in more developed countries). The incidence of the disease is increased by age, smoking, UV radiation, dietary habits, and certain hereditary (genetic) factors.

In the early and intermediate stages of AMD, deposits called drusen form in the macula. In the late stages, these areas may die (atrophy, dry form, 85%) or new blood vessels may form (CNV, wet form, 15%).

Initial complaints may include blurred vision, distortion of straight lines, and changes in color vision.

Later, the decrease in visual acuity and the enlargement of the spot in the center draw attention to the progression of the disease.

In the early and transitional stages, taking various vitamin preparations may be recommended. We currently do not have an effective drug for the treatment of the late dry form. In recent years, there has been tremendous progress in the therapy of the wet form, with the appearance of treatments containing anti-VEGF, which inhibit the formation of new blood vessels. These are still being developed and improved today, and new and newer preparations are appearing.