[KoK! Health] Macular Degeneration Causing Blindness... Self-Diagnosis 'Like This'

Suspicion if Object Center Is Invisible or Lines Appear Curved
Self-Diagnosis Possible Using 'Amsler Grid'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disease and a major cause of blindness. In South Korea, the number of patients with macular degeneration has been increasing recently. According to recent data from the National Health Insurance Service, the number of elderly patients with age-related macular degeneration has increased 2.3 times over the past four years.

Macular degeneration can lead to blindness if it worsens, and it can also occur in younger patients with high myopia or other risk factors. The macula is the central part of the retina inside the eye and accounts for a large portion of central vision. It is densely packed with photoreceptors that receive light most clearly and accurately. Macular degeneration is a disease in which abnormalities in this area cause a decline in vision.

The occurrence of macular degeneration is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Age is the greatest risk factor, but environmental factors such as smoking and ultraviolet exposure also contribute to its development. It can also occur in younger patients who have risk factors such as high myopia.

How to Diagnose Macular Degeneration

The main early symptom of macular degeneration is a "central scotoma," an area in the center of vision where objects are not visible. Another symptom is "metamorphopsia," where objects or straight lines appear distorted. These symptoms are difficult to notice when using both eyes, so it is necessary to cover one eye and examine each eye separately.

Self-diagnosis can be done using the "Amsler grid" to check for any distorted or missing lines. This self-examination helps in the early detection of the disease.

Examinations performed at an ophthalmology clinic include Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which uses light to show cross-sections of the retina, and Fluorescein Angiography, which involves injecting a contrast dye to evaluate the condition of retinal blood vessels.

Treatment of Macular Degeneration Varies by Type

Macular degeneration is classified into two types: dry and wet, with symptoms and treatments differing depending on the type. Dry macular degeneration involves the accumulation of waste material called drusen under the retina, leading to a gradual decline in photoreceptor function. Vision is good in the early stages, but in the advanced stage, when waste material worsens and the retina atrophies, vision can be severely impaired.

Wet macular degeneration refers to the development of abnormal new blood vessels under the retina in the choroid area. Vision deteriorates rapidly from the early stages because bleeding and swelling from these new vessels quickly damage the retinal structure. If treatment is delayed, it is a very serious disease that can lead to blindness.

For dry macular degeneration in the early stage, consistent management is recommended, and in the middle to late stages, the goal is to prevent worsening. Professor Lee Eun-kyung of Seoul National University Hospital's Department of Ophthalmology advises, "We recommend taking antioxidant supplements such as vitamins, lutein, and zeaxanthin," adding, "Taking combination supplements containing the AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) formula can be helpful."

When wet macular degeneration occurs, active treatment to preserve vision is necessary. Professor Lee explains, "Recently, intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) have become the primary treatment, saving many patients from the risk of blindness. However, the effect of injections is short-lived, requiring repeated treatments, and since treatment response and recurrence intervals vary among patients, personalized treatment is important."

Professor Lee emphasizes that early detection of macular degeneration is crucial. He states, "There are unfortunate cases where patients mistake macular degeneration for simple presbyopia, endure symptoms, miss the treatment window, and then visit the clinic. Macular degeneration is a disease where early detection can reduce the risk of blindness, and even after onset, management can slow vision loss. Therefore, individuals should take an active interest in their eye health and consistently perform self-diagnosis and regular check-ups."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.