Decoding the Chinese medicine: The truth about and solutions to macular degeneration in young people

Author: Tian Bei, Chief Physician, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University

Reviewer: Hu Wenli, Chief Physician, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University

The eyes are known as the windows to the soul, and in the deepest part of this window lies a mysterious area called the macula. The macula, located in the center of the retina, is the sharpest area of ​​vision and is responsible for our central vision and color recognition ability. Its health is directly related to whether we can clearly identify the details and colors in front of us.

However, the macula is not indestructible, and it may be attacked by various diseases, the most well-known of which is macular degeneration, especially age-related macular degeneration, which is more common in the elderly. With age, the function of cells in the macula area weakens, which may eventually lead to a significant decrease in vision or even blindness. The younger generation is more likely to face the challenge of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR), which often strikes quietly without warning.

As one of the main macular diseases affecting young people, the pathogenesis of mesothelioma involves fluid accumulation in the macular area, especially the formation of vacuoles between the retinal pigment epithelium and the neuroepithelium, which affects vision. Patients usually experience blurred central vision, darkening of colors or deformation of objects. Although the overall vision may not drop sharply, these subtle changes are enough to interfere with the quality of daily life.

Figure 1 Original copyright image, no permission to reprint

There are many factors that can cause schizophrenia, including long-term mental stress, overwork, and even specific hormone changes, such as hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, and the use of certain hormone drugs. It is worth noting that staying up late for a long time and frequently using electronic devices can also be potential triggers, which are particularly common among young people in modern society.

In the face of subtle changes in vision, timely medical treatment is key. Eye examinations will be initially screened through vision tests, intraocular pressure measurements and slit lamp examinations, while more accurate diagnosis relies on OCT (optical coherence tomography) and fundus angiography. OCT can provide detailed images of the macular area, showing the structure of each layer of the retina, especially the fluid accumulation between the retinal pigment epithelium and the neuroepithelium; while fundus angiography can reveal potential vascular abnormalities, such as leaking spots or new blood vessels, which is crucial for distinguishing mesoplasmosis from other macular diseases.

Figure 2 Original copyright image, no permission to reprint

Central exudative chorioretinopathy needs to be differentiated from uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and central exudative chorioretinopathy. For example, although fluid accumulation in the macular area can also be seen in uveitis, it is accompanied by obvious inflammatory features; age-related macular degeneration is marked by age-related neovascularization; and central exudative chorioretinopathy is different from central exudative chorioretinopathy because of the presence of neovascularization.

For mesothelioma, the treatment plan should be determined according to the stage of disease progression. In the early stages, lifestyle adjustments often have positive effects, such as ensuring adequate rest, reducing mental stress, avoiding late nights, and limiting screen time. When natural recovery is slow or the condition worsens, medical intervention becomes necessary, including the use of drugs that promote water absorption, laser therapy, or micro-pulse laser therapy. As a newer therapy, micro-pulse laser is gradually becoming an effective means of treating mesothelioma with its non-invasive nature and rapid promotion of water absorption.

Prevention is better than cure. Maintaining healthy living habits and regular eye examinations, especially for people with high risk factors, are the key to maintaining macular health.