To know about macular degeneration first we should know what macula is. Macula is the central part of retina, we usually compare retina of eyes with the film of camera where images are formed but there is a difference that images formed on macula are more sharper than the the rest of retina , this central part is about 5 mm in diameter . Structure and functions of eyes is such that when we see anything, muscles of eyes coordinate in such a way that most sensitive part of retina that is macula focuses on that portion be it face or any text.
Macular cells are specialised cells which can be stimulated by light ,this is not a random stimulation ,this is very precise stimulation and these signals are collected by the optic nerve at the back of eye ball transmitted to the visual cortex of occipital lobe of brain, where decoding is done and every detail what we see we interpret. Eyes in fact are the most wonderful sense organ .Eyes can see candle light in dark from a distance of 2 kilometres. Healthy macula can even be stimulated by just 4 photons! If we are seeing face of a person we instantly recognize his details and exact 3D image ,from colour of different parts to the feelings of person.
How we decode these feelings and how eyes express these feelings it is never been a subject of Modern Ophthalmology. As we have described about macula ,this part of retina should be well organized and well finished structure ,any minute undesired change in structure can result in disturbance in the central vision.
WHAT IS MACULAR DEGENERATION
This degeneration of macula is termed as macular degeneration. This is of two types dry and wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration usually is named as age related macular degeneration or ARMD, In this type of macular degeneration macula area is thinned out so that images formed on this area are distorted. This condition develops slowly. While in wet macular degeneration loss of vision is rapid as it is characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels under the macula as well as in the surrounding retina ,these blood vessels are fragile and can leak blood damaging macula resulting in rapid loss of vision.
DIAGNOSIS OF MACULAR DEGENERATION–
Usually ophthalmologist on examining the Fundus can diagnose macular degeneration when patient feels some symptoms. This is examined by dilating the eyes. There are many other tests such as Amsler grid test ,this can be done at home too besides at doctors chamber ,it is a subjective test ,this comprises straight line grids if you see these lines as wavy and unable to follow correctly there is distortion in the macula. Optical Coherence Tomography or OCT this is not an invasive test but provides very good structure information on macular health Fundus Photo Plain provides information about structure of retina and macula. Some other tests are there to diagnose macular degeneration but in majority of patients these tests are sufficient.
TREATMENT OF MACULAR DEGENERATION BY MODERN MEDICINE
For Wet macular degeneration there are different methods such as Anti VEGF injections, administered in the vitreous of eye these injection prevent formation of fragile blood vessels in the macula, photo dynamic therapy ,laser photo coagulation and Lifestyle changes. These medications and treatments prevent further leakage and formation of new abnormal blood vessels and stabilize vision and prevent further deterioration. In some patients there is some improvement in vision. For dry macular degeneration treatment mainly is by life style changes. Any of these treatment doesn’t restore normal vision ,yes some improvement is there or progress of disease is slowed.
TREATMENT OF MACULAR DEGENERATION BY ASSIMILATED TECHNIQUE
Fact is that there is no corresponding literature in the Chinese traditional acupuncture or Ayurveda that describes macula or macular degeneration, In fact it is with investigations such as Fundus photos plane and OCT and doing these tests pre and post treatment that here we slowly developed this way of treatment. It is first time here at our Acupuncture India Centre we slowly developed technique by combining harmoniously knowledge from Modern Medicine, Chinese Acupuncture ,Ayurveda and what is mentioned in our Indian literature about eyes.
TREATMENT Of MACULAR DEGENERATION AT DELHI
All equipped eye hospitals in Delhi provide service to diagnose ,advise life style changes and possible treatment as Anti VGF injections to the patients. Some Ayurvedic Centre also claim to provide treatment of this ailment. Our Centre is Unique in treating such patients as it not only provides subjective improvement from day one but also gives objective results verified by O.CT This is the OCT Test results of a young patient showing improvement ,This is the only Centre showing such results that too long lasting. It took time to verify results of treatment of macular degeneration both by subjective improvement and results verified by the investigations as OCT.
This is the only Centre where results are verified both ways i.e; subjectively and objectively. And patients feel that ” I cured my Macular Degeneration” patients attending this Centre. Patients feel subjective improvement from day one just after the sitting ,only then we continue for full course treatment .At the end of full course we assess patients condition and if required go for at least OCT test. Patients are usually stable over a long period of time. Definitely we advise some lifestyle changes also. Over 90%of patients remain stable.