Macular degeneration is a slowly progressing disorder of the retina, which results in loss of central vision and is found primarily in older adults in their sixties and seventies. It is the most common cause of visual impairment in adults aged over 50 years. Macular degeneration causes damage to the macula, a small central region of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The photoreceptors in the macula convert light signals into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain. When the photoreceptors start to degenerate, central vision becomes compromised, and daily activities, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, become difficult.
Presently, conventional treatments for macular degeneration are limited in their ability to replace lost vision by reversing the damage caused; however, medical interventions utilizing stem cell therapy may offer a new path forward. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are capable of becoming specialized cells such as corneal, photoreceptor, and optic nerve cells, to name a few. Once stem cells are isolated from a source such as bone marrow or adipose tissue, the body is no longer damaged and therefore able to redirect the stem cell into the new cell type, aiming to replace lost retinal tissue and regain vision.
There are several risk factors associated with age-related macular degeneration, including genetic disposition, Caucasian ethnicity, smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Cell Cure India has observed several successful outcomes with regenerative medicine to manage this condition and is providing renewed hope to patients through cellular therapies designed to supplant damaged tissue and retrieve visual function.
Causes of Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age
Judging from the available evidence, advancing age is likely the greatest risk factor; specifically, the risk substantially increases after the age of 50.
Individuals over the age of 60 have a greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration compared to those who are in their 40s, and the risk continues to increase after age 70.
As retinal cells age, this slowdown in repair ability, in combination with constant environmental stressors, diminishes eye health over time.
Genetic Tendencies and Family History
Having a history of macular degeneration in the family provides a significant increase in risk.
Certain genetic variations, or polymorphisms, affect how an individual’s eyes process age, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
In others, the genetic profile may also cause macular degeneration to begin at a younger age.
Race
Race is a proven risk factor for developing macular degeneration.
Caucasians have been shown to be more susceptible to developing macular degeneration.
The differences in pigment level, as well as the structure of the retina, may allow for varied levels of natural protection.
Smoking
The presence of smoking is a proven factor; it doubles the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Toxic substances involved with the chemicals in cigarettes have been shown to decrease blood flow, increase oxidative stress, and reduce the level of antioxidants available to combat the oxidative damage in the retina.
Obesity
The presence of excess body weight is a risk factor that speeds up the progression of the disease.
Obesity normally increases the level of systemic inflammation and decreases the blood supply to the retina. One risk factor that can be modulated is weight, and maintaining a healthy weight decreases the risk of developing the disease.
Cardiovascular Disease
Disease processes such as heart disease, hypertension, and vascular disease can lower the amount of oxygen and nutrients supplied to the retina.
Conditions like high cholesterol and decreased blood flow can increase damage to the retina.
Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration symptoms usually develop gradually and are painless. The symptoms may include:
Visual distortions, like straight lines appearing distorted
Less central vision in one or both eyes
Increased need for brighter lights while reading or completing near tasks
Greater difficulty adapting to low light levels, like when entering a dimly lit restaurant
Increased blurriness of printed words
Less intensity or brightness in colors
Difficulty reading faces.
