Macular Degeneration: Advanced OCT Retinal Scanning

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

     Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD: Age-related Macular Degeneration) is an abnormality that occurs in the retina due to aging, which is most commonly found in the elderly. According to a 2009 survey by the World Health Organization (WHO), age-related macular degeneration remains a leading cause of vision loss, ranking behind cataracts, refractive errors, and glaucoma

How to self-monitor for Macular Degeneration

     Age-related macular degeneration may present differently depending on each patient's condition. It is also difficult for patients to notice visual abnormalities by themselves in the early stages, especially if the other eye still sees well; the patient may not notice any abnormality for years.

If macular degeneration occurs in both eyes, patients will quickly notice visual disturbances, such as blurred central vision, missing parts in the center of the visual field, dark spots, or distorted images.

Causes of Macular Degeneration

Mostly found in the elderly, it is believed to be part of the body's natural degenerative process. Several risk factors have been identified that influence the development of age-related macular degeneration, including:

• Age: This disease is more commonly found in individuals aged 50 and above.
• Genetics: It can be transitionally inherited among immediate relatives. Therefore, it is recommended that direct relatives of patients receive a retinal check-up every year.
• Smoking: Studies have shown that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing the disease.
• Hypertension: Patients with high blood cholesterol and low blood carotenoid levels, who also require antihypertensive medication, have a very high risk of developing a form of macular degeneration that causes rapid vision loss.

Why are eye health check-ups important?

     Even if your vision seems normal, you should undergo an eye health examination (including a retinal check-up) every 2–4 years. For individuals aged 50 and older, a yearly or biennial exam is recommended. Because most patients do not notice any early-stage symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, early detection and prompt treatment are essential. If left untreated for a long time, the degenerated retina will continue to deteriorate progressively.

Current medical treatments can only stop or delay the degeneration of the retina as much as possible.

Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration

An ophthalmologist specialized in retinal diseases (Retina specialist) utilizes specific methods to detect abnormalities, including:

• Ophthalmoscope and Slit Lamp: With these instruments, multiple evaluation steps can be performed, which are categorized into major groups, including:
  • Special specialized imaging (Fluorescein angiography): Involving the injection of Fluorescein dye into a vein to examine the retinal blood vessels.
  • Laser-based cross-sectional retinal analysis (Optical coherence tomography): The latest retinal imaging technology used to view the nature and extent of the structural abnormalities. Following this, the retina specialist will determine the treatment plan and prognosis.

Retinal Examination via OCT Machine

     Retinal examination using an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) machine is a diagnostic tool that detects pathology across various layers of the retina, providing high resolution down to approximately 0.01 millimeters. The procedure is quick, simple, entirely painless, requires no injections, and involves zero radiation exposure.

What conditions does the screening cover?

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Macular edema caused by various conditions, such as diabetes or retinal vein occlusion
• Macular hole
• Epiretinal membrane affecting the retina and macula
• Retinal detachment
• Abnormal retinal blood vessels
• Glaucoma

Generally, individuals aged over 50 should receive a comprehensive retinal examination by an ophthalmologist to evaluate their risk of developing the disease.