According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), macular degeneration, which ranks 3rd among vision disorders that result in vision loss, affects 30 million people all over the world. Prof. ophthalmologist at a private hospital in Elazığ. Dr. Turgut Yılmaz also gave warnings by giving information about the symptoms, course and treatment process of this disease, which is a chronic disease that is generally seen in people over the age of 60.
“Unfortunately, there is no cure for dry, age-related macular degeneration.”
Referring to the most important symptoms of the disease, Prof. Dr. Turgut Yılmaz said, “The disease we define as age-related macular degeneration, popularly known as macular degeneration, is a retinal disease that is generally seen in individuals over the age of 60. The incidence of this disease has increased considerably in recent years. We can list the most important findings of the disease as deterioration of central vision, patients’ inability to distinguish people’s faces, and seeing flat surfaces or edges as bent, broken or curved. There are generally two types of this disease: dry and wet. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for dry, age-related macular degeneration. We only give vitamin support to stabilize the disease. “However, in age-related macular degeneration, we are trying to turn the disease into a dry form by making injections and intraocular injections,” he said.
”TO PREVENT THE PROGRESS OF THE DISEASE, IT WILL BE USEFUL TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SMOKING HABIT”
Pointing out that the cause of macular degeneration is generally unknown, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz said, ”The cause of macular degeneration is generally unknown. Among the etiological factors, age is the most important factor. However, in recent years, the age of the disease has shifted towards a slightly earlier age due to many factors such as ultraviolet radiation and nutritional habits. Smoking, sun exposure, and environmental factors are other factors that affect the disease. “In order to prevent the progression of the disease, it will be beneficial to stay away from smoking habits and eat foods rich in antioxidants, rich in greenery and omega-3, such as Mediterranean cuisine,” he said. (UAV)
