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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most
common cause of irreversible vision loss in Americans over the age of 60. It is
estimated that 10 million Americans will experience this age-related visual
impairment during their retirement years.
Macular degeneration is a disorder of the retina, the
light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye. The macula is a small,
central portion of the retina which is necessary for sharp, "straight ahead"
vision needed for reading, driving a car or recognizing faces.
There are a number of abnormalities associated with
the term "age-related macular degeneration." They range from mild changes with
no decrease in vision to abnormalities severe enough to result in the loss of
all "straight ahead" vision. Macular degeneration does not cause total blindness
because the remaining and undamaged parts of the retina around the macula
continue to provide "side" vision.
There are two main types of macular degeneration,
"dry" and "wet," which are discussed in the next section.
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Aging causes the cells in the retina to become less efficient. Ultimately,
deposits called drusen appear under the retina and can be seen during an eye
examination and on photographs of the retina. A few small drusen may cause no
decrease in vision. However, if many large drusen develop, vision may be
decreased. Vision may be affected when there are pigment disturbances in the
layer of cells called the retinal pigment epithelium. These two types of changes
in the macula are known as "dry" macular degeneration, which is the most common
form. Currently, there is no known treatment for dry AMD.
A few people experience the "wet" form of macular
degeneration which can cause more severe visual loss. In this situation,
abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and result in bleeding and
leakage of fluid. Vision may suddenly become distorted or blurred. In some cases
of wet macular degeneration, laser treatment can be effective at destroying the
abnormal vessels, thus preventing or slowing further visual loss. Wet macular
degeneration cannot always be treated successfully by laser, however, some
experimental drugs and surgical procedures are being tested.
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Patient with wet macular degeneration develop new blood vessels under the
retina. This causes hemorrhage, swelling, and scar tissue but it can be
treated with laser in some cases.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com |
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Dry macular degeneration,
although more common, typically results in a less severe, more gradual loss
of vision.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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The Amsler Grid is used to screen for macular
degeneration. In an effort to detect loss of vision associated with macular
degeneration, eye doctors across the country are recommending this test to their
patients. The test involves looking at a square grid with a dot in the center.
The grid should be held 12 inches away from the face. While wearing eye glasses
normally worn when reading, the individual covers one eye at a time. With the
uncovered eye, the individual stares at the dot in the center of the grid. All
four corners of the grid should be visible, and the lines of the grid should
appear to be straight and continuous from top to bottom and side to side. If
there appear to be any holes or blurry spots, or the lines look wavy, fuzzy,
crooked, distorted or broken, the individual should call their eye doctor
immediately.
Image by Mark Erickson
Property of JirehDesign.com
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Today's advances in medicine means that more and more
older Americans will be able to maintain good vision as they age. Since many
serious eye conditions are treatable when detected at an early age, it is
important to have periodic eye examinations, especially as one approaches the
sixth decade of life.
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Unfortunately, not enough is known about macular
degeneration at this time to provide effective treatment in most cases. Research
today may help find the cures of tommorow.
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There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
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ONLINE ACCESS
WEBSITES.
http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. -
http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive
Surgery Resource
http://www.Cataract.com.ph - Cataract Surgery Resource
http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye
Information Online
http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids
http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina
Surgery Resource
http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma
Online
http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online
EMAIL. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Newsletter -
newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive
news and updates, discounts and promotions)
BLOG. Send us your comments.
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Atlas
CLINIC INFORMATION
Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via
SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC
(send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart). |
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310
1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita
Manila, 1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398
Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Mobile: (63917) 899-2020
Map and directions
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct:
(632) 771-9253
Direct and Fax:
(632) 771-9254
Mobile: (63917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
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EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue
Pasig City, 1604, Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846
Mobile: (63917) 537-2020
Map and directions
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC)
North Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
(632) 407-3883
Mobile: (63917) 855-2020
Map and directions
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CLINIC HOURS
First-Come, First-Served
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays
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AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION information
compiled by Dr.
Manolette R. Roque and initially uploaded on May 1, 2005.
Last updated on
September 19, 2007. |
