There are 2 types:
- dry
- drusen - yellow spots in Bruchs membrane
- wet
- choroidal neovascularisation
- worse prognosis
Below is an image of dry macular degeneration showing drusen. To link to an image of wet macular degeneration click here
Risk factors for macular degeneration are:
- age >60
- female
- smoking
- caucasian
- family history
Treatment - there is no cure:
- high dose beta caratene - but may increase risk of lung cancer in smokers
- vitamin C and E - but vit E may increase risk of heart failure
- zinc
- for wet:
- photocoagulation
- anti VEGF
- Ranibizumab
- photodynamic therapy
Keeping on eyes, next up is glaucoma...
