Awareness is the key to good health. It is particularly true for eye health. Only if you know the conditions that can affect your vision, will you be able to take action to safeguard your vision. Two of the most common eye ailments that could severely damage vision are macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. While both of them affect the retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye – there is a huge difference in their causes, symptoms, and treatment. For early detection and timely treatment, it is essential to know how the two differ.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is a progressive eye condition that generally affects people aged over 50. It causes damage to the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. It is needed for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
There are two main types of AMD:
- Dry AMD: It is the more common type, and causes gradual thinning of the macula. So, you experience slow loss of vision. Yellow deposits (drusen) build up in the macula.
- Wet AMD: It is the more severe form of AMD. In this type, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. It causes leakage of fluid and/or blood and there is rapid vision loss.
READ MORE: Understanding Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes causes a range of health issues. One of them is diabetic retinopathy. It is a complication that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, high blood sugar levels damage these vessels, causing them to swell, leak, or close off completely. In advanced stages, it may also trigger growth of new abnormal vessels, further threatening vision.
It affects both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients. The longer your duration of diabetes, the higher the risk, especially if you are not able to control blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels.
Key Differences Between Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy
| Factor | Macular Degeneration | Diabetic Retinopathy |
| Cause | Age-related degeneration of macula | High blood sugar damaging retinal blood vessels |
| Risk Factors | Adults over 50, family history, smoking, high BP, people of white race | Diabetics (both types), high blood sugar/BP, kidney problem, smoking |
| Area Affected | Central vision (macula) | Entire retina |
| Onset | Gradual (dry AMD); sudden (wet AMD) | Slow progression; can become severe suddenly |
| Symptoms | Blurred central vision, difficulty in reading & recognising faces, distorted lines | Blurry vision, floaters, dark spots, vision loss |
| Prevention | Healthy lifestyle & diet, eye supplements, protection from UV rays, regular eye exams | Blood sugar control, healthy diet & lifestyle, stress management, regular eye checkups |
| Treatment | Anti-VEGF Injections, PDT, laser surgery (wet AMD); lifestyle changes (dry AMD) | Laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, vitrectomy surgery |
Common Symptoms – AMD & Diabetic Retinopathy
Some symptoms are common to both AMD and diabetic retinopathy:
- Blurred vision
- Dark or empty areas in vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
However, AMD affects only central vision while diabetic retinopathy can affect central as well as peripheral vision.
READ MORE: Diabetic Retinopathy: Spot the Early Warning Signs
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Critical
In many cases, individuals with early AMD or diabetic retinopathy do not have any noticeable symptoms. That’s why comprehensive eye tests by an expert eye eye doctor are necessary. These tests can detect subtle changes in the retina, and help monitor the progression of the problem – be it AMD or diabetic retinopathy.
Some hospitals, such as Sohana Eye Hospital, Mohali, have advanced diagnostic tools like OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and fundus photography, that help experienced eye specialists track changes in the retina and macula.
Treatment Options
1. Macular Degeneration
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Used in wet AMD, these injections check the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This therapy uses a light-sensitive medicine, which is injected into the bloodstream. Then, a laser is used to close off the problematic blood vessels.
- Laser Surgery: In some cases, doctors use laser surgery to seal off abnormal blood vessels.
- Lifestyle Management: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can slow down the progression of AMD.
- Low Vision Aids: For people suffering vision loss due to AMD, vision aids like magnifiers, brighter lighting, and specialized glasses can prove helpful.
2. For Diabetic Retinopathy
- Laser Photocoagulation: This treatment seals leaking blood vessels. It also inhibits the growth of new, abnormal vessels.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: These injections reduce swelling and prevent abnormal vessel growth. Injected directly into the eye, they block the effects of the VEGF protein – the protein responsible for the growth of new blood vessels.
- Vitrectomy: This surgery is used to remove the vitreous gel, and also any scar tissue or blood from the eye’s retina.
- Blood Sugar Control: High blood sugar levels lead to diabetic retinopathy. Hence, keeping blood sugar within limits is the key to managing diabetic eye disease.
The Bottom Line
Advancing age generally brings with it, diverse health issues. The same holds true for diabetes. So, develop a habit of getting regular eye checkups – and that too comprehensive ones, particularly if you have diabetes or are above 50. It is because your eyes deserve regular attention. Both AMD and diabetic retinopathy are serious eye problems, but early detection and treatment can help save your sight.
At Sohana Eye Hospital, expert retina specialists use sophisticated diagnostic tools and offer personalized treatment for both – macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Don’t let vision problems affect your life – schedule your eye check-up today!
