Customised retinal treatments in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Age brings many new, beautiful experiences, but also takes something from the overall health picture of a person. We know that one of the organs that can feel the effects of aging is precisely the eye, more specifically the macula, which is one of the most important anatomical parts of each eye.

How does this disease manifest?
Visual acuity decreases, and the damage is particularly pronounced in the “central” vision. The patient feels a large “spot” in front of one or both eyes, causing objects to appear blurry, but still maintains preserved peripheral vision.

Types of age-related macular degeneration
In practice, two forms of this condition are present: dry and wet. In the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, damage to central vision occurs gradually, over several years, even decades. Due to pronounced atherosclerosis of the retinal blood vessels, there is accumulation of cellular metabolic waste, hindering the normal functioning of remaining living cells. The accumulated material is called drusen.
The wet form is much more aggressive, occurring suddenly, marked by the appearance of a distinctly dark “spot” in front of the eye. Sudden vision loss is caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic retinal blood vessels and bleeding into the area of the macula. Even with this form of macular degeneration, peripheral vision may remain preserved.

How is it treated?
The dry form of age-related macular degeneration still cannot be treated, but the patient will never completely lose vision. Specifically, they will always retain what is known as peripheral vision, or vision outside the macula.
The wet form of senile macular degeneration is successfully treated if detected early with the application of anti-VEGF therapy (Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea). However, if detected late or inadequately treated, therapy may not be very effective due to the rapid formation of scarring in the macula, which remains untreatable.