MACULAR DEGENERATION Macular Degeneration Types: -Atrophic

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VISUAL ALTERATIONS

• MACULAR DEGENERATION

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Macular Degeneration

• Types
• -Atrophic (age-related) dry
• -Exudative wet
• Populations at Risk
• Greater than 60 yrs. Old
• Females gt Males
• White gt African American
• Smoking
• Obesity
• http//www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_fa
  cts.asp1e

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DRY TYPE

• DRY TYPE CAUSED BY degeneration from age
  -retinal cells become ischemic
• S S blurring and distortion of central vision
• drusen formation
• PREVENTION Nutrition
• use of antioxidants
• beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E,
  zinc, copper

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WET TYPE

• Wet type seen after a serous detachment of
  pigment epithelium in the macula
• S S sudden decrease in vision

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Diagnostic Tests

• Annual eye exams
• Amsler Grid tests
• normal
  
• Fluorescein angiography (wet)

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Treatment for Macular Degeneration

• Dry Macular Degeneration no treatment but diet
  may help (various vitamins
• Wet Macular Degeneration
• -Laser photocoagulation
• -Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• -Experimental treatments

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NURSING MEASURES with PDT

• Pre Therapy
• Teach patients the eye/skin sensitivity to
  sunlight
• Use lower watt lighting in home
• Post Therapy
• Avoid sunlight and bright lights
• Wear protective sunglasses when in light
• Check with MD before taking OTC
• Keep well hydrated