(Concern) My eyes easily become bloodshot.

What is macular degeneration?

This occurs due to abnormal changes that occur within the macula, the center of the eye.

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• The macula is very complex and sensitive; it is the neural tissue where incoming light from outside is focused to clearly display objects.

• Degeneration occurs in these areas, leading to decreased vision, distortion of objects, and blindness.

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• Although generally considered degenerative diseases that occur in people over 50, the age of onset is continuously decreasing.

• It occurs more frequently in women than in men.

• Since it is one of the three major causes of blindness, active treatment is necessary.

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Types of Age-related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can be broadly divided into wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration.

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Chronic cirrhosis

Approximately 20% of all patients with age-related macular degeneration, and about 80-90% of them may become completely blind.

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Dry age-related macular degeneration

Approximately 80% of all patients, with 10 to 20% of them resulting in blindness. 

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Five causes of macular degeneration

Diseases caused by abnormal changes in the central part of the retina, the macula, or those that are clearly identified to date

We were unable to determine the cause.

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However, five factors associated with triggering agents are known.

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1. Family history, genetic factors

If there is a history of macular degeneration in your family, your own risk of developing it also increases.

• It is advisable to have regular eye examinations if there is a family history.

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② Aging

It mainly appears after the age of 50, and increases rapidly after the age of 75.

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• Recently, it has been occurring quite frequently even among younger age groups.

• It is said to appear in one out of seven people after the age of 65.

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Hypertension

The probability of developing hypertension is approximately 45-50% higher compared to healthy adults.

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④ Smoking

Since it is the root cause of many diseases, it is always best not to smoke.

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• The risk of developing the disease is reported to be 2 to 3 times higher compared to people who do not smoke.

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⑤ Cardiovascular disease

Many elderly patients with age-related macular degeneration also have cardiovascular diseases, which increases the likelihood of occurrence.

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Guitar

It is said to occur more frequently in obese individuals, those with high cholesterol, and Caucasians.