Macular Dystrophy Symptoms

Macular dystrophy symptoms are revealed when one suffers from this degenerative eye problem, that will be further looked into here. Find out more on the causes, symptoms and treatment for this condition...
Macular dystrophy is one of the most severe cases of what is known as corneal dystrophy, and is a disorder that is autosomal recessive genetic in nature, and results in one's cornea, clouding over. This cripples eye vision, making clarity hazy and indistinct. It takes place early in one's life, and is a result of decreased vision in the macula, which is positioned at the retina's center. It is hereditary in nature, and can be the cause of two reasons namely, abnormal protein build up, or loss of pigmentation in the photoreceptors present in the retina region.

Causes of Macular Dystrophy

These are the causes that are associated with how macular dystrophy takes place. Avoid what can be steered away from, and get any other hindering factors checked out by a medical professional.
  • This type of macular degeneration can take place as one ages, between those who fall in the age bracket of 66 - 74 years of age.
  • Diet that contains high fatty foods.
  • It can come about due to mutation of the ATP synthase gene, wherein a gene link, is hampered in its function, namely the retinitis pigmentosa. This is related to the mutation of ATP, which is the adenosine triphosphate synthase gene.
  • The proteins, namely, factor B, factor H and factor 2, are associated with one developing this degeneration, where inflammatory responses alter, leading up to effects.
  • It is hereditary in nature.
  • Presence of drusen in the retina
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Race
  • Cholesterol levels when high can lead up to this as one ages.
  • Sunlight exposure.
Types of Macular Dystrophy

When it comes to this condition, there are other kinds that similarly hamper one's vision, although showcasing different signs and cases.
  • Vitelliform macular dystrophy
  • Corneal dystrophy
  • Sorsby's macular dystrophy
  • Cone-rod dystrophy
  • Stargardt's disease
  • Fuchs dystrophy
  • Juvenile retinoschisis
Symptoms of Macular Dystrophy

One should immediately get the following checked out, should the symptoms persist.
  • Sensitivity to contrast.
  • Vision is blurred.
  • Uncomfortable when looking into bright lights.
  • Night vision is lost.
  • Not easy to identity colors.
  • Line of vision is unclear.
  • Not easy reading text.
Macular Dystrophy Treatment

The options that one has when undergoing the effects of this degenerative eye disease are...

Medication
Antibiotics are give in the form of a patch, or one that is used for corneal erosions, known as a patch contacts lens. Eye drops are given, which contain 0.9% of saline. Hypertonic saline is also given (3% and 5% sodium chloride injection).

Surgery
Laser therapy is given, which is known as phototherapeutic keratectomy, which is the removal of superficial opacities. Corneal transplantation is a common option for patients, but unfortunately the problem is recurrent.

The symptoms of this condition aren't something that should be ignored, or taken for granted. Please have it checked out by an eye specialist and get the proper eye care need that you may require, after he/she deciphers whether it is a form of eye disease or not. Stay safe.
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Published: 12/9/2010
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