Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes vision loss due to the deterioration of the macula, located at the center of the retina.
As the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision, the macula allows us to see objects clearly, distinguish colors, and read.
When it is damaged, central vision becomes blurred or distorted, significantly impacting daily life.
It is a leading cause of blindness globally. In Korea, the number of cases is rapidly increasing alongside the aging population;
while it primarily affects those over 50, there is a growing trend of diagnosis among people in their 40s.
Types of Macular Degeneration
This type accounts for approximately 85 to 90 percent of all macular degeneration cases.
It progresses gradually as waste products called drusen accumulate in the macula.
While symptoms are often absent or mild in the early stages, without proper management, it can progress into the more severe wet form.
In this form, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leading to bleeding and fluid leakage (swelling).
Although it accounts for only 10–15% of all cases, it carries a much higher risk of permanent blindness.
Because the disease progresses so rapidly, early intervention and immediate treatment are essential.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a slowly progressing disease involving the gradual deterioration of the macula
—the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
In its early stages, patients often do not experience
any noticeable visual symptoms.
This is the most characteristic symptom of the condition.
Straight lines, such as door frames, tile grout, or lines of text, appear wavy, bent, or distorted.
The center of your field of vision—such as a person’s face or text—appears blurry or obscured by a dark spot, as if something is blocking your view.
Colors may appear faded or washed out, and a decrease in contrast sensitivity can make it challenging to distinguish between similar shades.
Objects become difficult to see in dimly lit environments,
and the eyes take significantly longer to adapt when moving from dark to bright areas.
You may experience double vision or notice a difference in the perceived size of objects when comparing the view from one eye to the other.
In cases of wet macular degeneration, bleeding can cause a rapid decline in vision within a matter of days.
This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Self-Diagnosis for Macular Degeneration
Using the Amsler grid test below,you can easily determine whether macular degeneration is progressing.
1. Wear the glasses or contact lenses you use in bright lighting during the examination.
2. Cover one eye and look at the round dot on the grid from a distance of about 30 cm.
3. Fix your gaze on the round dot in the center, then remember how the lines appear.
4. Examine the other eye using the same method.
Causes of Macular Degeneration
Aging
This is the primary cause. As we age, the function of retinal pigment epithelial cells declines and waste products accumulate, leading to progressive macular damage.
The incidence rate increases sharply after age 50.
Genetic Factors
Having a family member with macular degeneration increases the risk of developing the disease by 3 to 4 times.
Regular screenings are especially crucial if there is a history of the condition among immediate family members.
Smoking
Smokers have a 2 to 5 times higher incidence of macular degeneration compared to non-smokers.
Smoking damages retinal blood vessels and increases oxidative stress,
promoting macular damage.
UV Exposure
Long-term exposure to intense sunlight causes cumulative damage to retinal cells, increasing the risk of macular degeneration.
Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension
Poor vascular health can negatively affect blood flow to the retina,
thereby increasing the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Obesity and High-Fat Diets
Studies indicate that obesity and a diet high in
saturated fats are closely linked to
the progression of macular degeneration.
Diagnosis/Examination of Macular Degeneration
Fundus Examination
After dilating the pupils, a specialist uses a dedicated lens to directly observe the condition of the retina and macula.
This test allows for the detection of drusen, hemorrhages, and pigmentary abnormalities.
Fundus Photography
High-resolution images of the retina are taken to document changes
in the macula and to track the progression of the disease over time.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
High-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina are captured to precisely assess macular
edema, damage to retinal layers, and the presence of abnormal new blood vessels.
Prevention Guidelines for Macular Degeneration
Smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor for macular degeneration. Quitting alone can substantially reduce your risk of developing the disease.
Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors to block harmful UV rays.
Consume foods rich in lutein and omega-3 fatty acids, such as dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli), oily fish (mackerel, salmon), and nuts.
Managing hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity can also reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
For those aged 50 and older, an annual fundus examination is vital for early detection.
However, if you have a family history of the disease, it is recommended to begin regular screenings starting in your 40s.
Macular degeneration can damage central vision, but peripheral vision is usually preserved, so it rarely leads to complete blindness.
However, without early detection and appropriate treatment, it can lead to severe vision loss, making prompt action crucial.
Yes, if you have macular degeneration in one eye, there is a 40 to 50 percent chance it will develop in the other eye within five years.
Therefore, it is important to have regular eye exams for both eyes.
There is a genetic component. Having a family member with macular degeneration increases your risk of developing it by 3 to 4 times.
If you have a direct family member with the condition, it is recommended to begin regular screenings starting in your 40s.
Age-related macular degeneration primarily occurs in individuals over 50, but macular disease can also develop at a younger age due to genetic factors or high myopia.
If you experience visual field abnormalities, it is advisable to get examined regardless of age.
Check out the blog below for more information on retinal diseases.
