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Exudative macular degeneration (AMD) is the wet form of the disease, causing the degeneration of photoreceptors and pigment epithelial cells in the macula. This causes abnormal blood vessels to form behind the macula and leak blood and fluid. The fluid can damage the macula and lead to scarring. The disease can progress rapidly if left untreated, resulting in permanent blindness.
Anti-VEGF therapy is an established treatment option for exudative macular degeneration. Anti-VEGF inhibitors are administered regularly in clinical trials and are available as intravitreal injections, an ambulatory surgery. However, intravitreal injections are not without risk and are accompanied by a high risk of severe intraocular infection. In severe cases, an intraocular infection (endophthalmitis) may occur. In these cases, a vitrectomy is necessary, and an intraocular antibiotic is administered. The extent of infection, as well as the severity of the degeneration, determine the outcome of treatment.
The study has implications for how physicians treat patients with macular degeneration. Although it doesn’t directly address whether a fibulin-5 mutation causes AMD, it points to a genetic clue that may help doctors choose the most appropriate treatment. However, the findings should not be interpreted as conclusive evidence, as other factors may play a role in the disease.
Fibulin-5 is a glycoprotein found in the retina that participates in blastogenesis. Its mutations have been linked to age-related macular degeneration. Interestingly, the protein is found primarily in Bruch’s membrane, the intercapillary pillars, the basal deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium, and the small drusen. These features suggest that fibulve may be involved in forming extracellular deposits in macular degeneration.
Geographic atrophy is a form of macular degeneration that occurs in the macula. It may be characterized by an area of an atrophic retina, a lack of pigmentation, and underlying choroidal vessels. The diagnosis can be made during a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist. This form of macular degeneration can lead to a loss of visual acuity.
Geographic atrophy (GA) is a late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It causes progressive loss of retinal tissue that can lead to legal blindness within a short time. While there is currently no approved treatment for GA, advances in our understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis have led to developing of new potential treatments.
There are several treatment options for macular degeneration. It would help if you first get frequent eye exams to detect the condition early. You should also seek medical advice if you develop any of the symptoms of macular degeneration. Treatment options for macular degeneration include surgery, laser treatment, and medication. In some cases, a combination of treatments can be effective.
Anti-VEGF therapy can help slow down the progression of the disease. It works by blocking a chemical called VEGF, which causes abnormal blood vessels under the retina. These blood vessels are prone to leak and can cause scarring in the retina.