Macular degeneration is an eye condition closely related to ageing and is the main cause of central vision loss.
The macula is a small central portion of the retina, an area of light-sensing nerve tissue whose main function is to control central vision, colour and fine details. When the macula is worn down areas of the central vision field lose sharpness.
TYPES OF
AMD
AMD causes progressive loss of central vision which implies difficulties for performing precision tasks such as reading, writing, driving or sewing.
Lines appear distorted and blind spots (scotomas) may be perceived in the central area of the field of vision.
In its initial phase this condition may develop unilaterally (only in one eye) although it eventually affects both eyes. This means that patients might not be aware of vision loss unless they accidentally cover the healthy eye and perceive distorted lines with the other.
AMD
SELF-TEST
This test might not be useful in the initial stage of AMD
Smoking
Ageing
Family history of AMD
High cholesterol levels
PREVENTION
OF AMD
AMD is a condition related to both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors account for nearly 70% of patients predisposition to AMD.
Recent systems and procedures based on advanced technology allow tests that include patients’ genetic information to determine the risk of AMD at different ages. Such tests make possible the development of control programmes for early diagnosis to slow the progress of macular degeneration.
TREATMENT
AMD
Currently there is no cure for macular degeneration but research has made possible the development of medications that help slow the progress of the disease and treat its complications.
Patients’ habits must be taken into account since factors like smoking, unhealthy eating habits and obesity significantly increase the risk of macular degeneration.
Periodical examinations are also necessary in order to detect early symptoms, address MD and slow its advance.
The main treatment is the implantation of intraocular lenses.
The option of implanting specially designed intraocular lenses may be considered for patients affected by AMD that need cataract surgery. The implants allow patients to see through a healthy retina by focusing on an area outside the macula.
Additional vision aids with special lenses or electronic systems that enlarge images are available to improve vision in affected patients. Training of peripheral vision may also be used in such cases.
PIONEERS IN
OCULAR SURGERY
The expertise of our medical team combined with the use of state-of-the-art technology guarantee the best results for our patients.
«I visited several clinics and I definitely decided on Rahhal. The doctors are excellent. Congratulations to the medical team and thanks!!»
Ramiro Vila.
«Dr. Rahhal treated my family. Some of us had surgery in his clinic and we couldn’t be more satisfied.»
Mari Carmen Soto.
«I have been a patient of the clinic for many years now. It is the family clinic. They have an excellent service quality and the staff always make us feel in a friendly environment.»
Álvaro Lluch.
WE FINANCE YOUR TREATMENT
SO THAT LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF WILL NOT COME AT AN EXCESSIVE COST
At CLÍNICA RAHHAL we want treatment to be affordable for our patients.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Select any of the following FAQs from our patients and check the answers. If your doubts are not solved please use the contact form below to get in touch with us.
Age-related macular degeneration is a process associated with retinal ageing. However, other causes might lead to macular pathologies in young patients with similar consequences.
AMD has a significant genetic component, therefore an adequate preventive approach is essential. No treatment or method can be 100% effective in terms of prevention, but if you quit smoking and have a healthy diet risk factors can be controlled.
No. Intravitreal injections used for macular degeneration seek to inhibit neovascularization (the formation of blood vessels that leak excess fluid into the retina). In cases where there is no neovascularization and no excess fluid, injections are ineffective.
Treatment with intravitreal injections must be minimal to keep MD at bay. Periodicity depends on patients: treatment begins with a monthly frequency spacing the doses to reach an optimal regularity for each case, then doctors will debate whether to discontinue the treatment and focus on an individual approach for each case. The fact is that as long as neovascularization continues and the treatment improves the patient’s vision, injections must continue.
Certain aspects of the disease can be contained by controlling risks factors and treating possible complications, but there is no effective and definitive cure for AMD.
Leave your contact info and we’ll get back to you. You will receive a confirmation email and within a few hours we’ll call you to schedule an appointment.
