Question

1. Expain and discuss in detail the Aetiology ( e.g. injury, defective genes) of the disease Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

2. Explain and discuss in detail the Pathophysiology( the function that changes that result from the disease/conditon) of AMD.

I will use the information to make an infograpic poster so if you could make a very short explanation but detailed for the two of this. Thank you!

Answer 1

1.Aetiology of AMD

The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but there are certain risk factors which contribute to the development of AMD. They are

• excess weight
• high blood pressure
• smoking
• family history
• diet high in unsaturated fats
• lack of exercise

AMD is a disease associated with aging that gradually impairs sharp central vision needed for seeing objects clearly and for daily tasks like reading and driving.

Some gentic associations have been found including the CFH gene, which contribute to one's risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. It is still not clear how these genetic factors are related to the retinal damage and vision loss.

2. Pathophysiology of AMD

• Person who are having environmental and genetic risk factors when undergoes aging process,
• Photoreceptor atrophy happens. It can be due to primary senescence of RPE cells, inflammatory process leading to RPE apoptosis and RPE ischemia(due to low perfusion)
• Extracellular debris(Drusen) from RPE atrophy deposits between bruch's membrane and RPE.
• It causes reduced blood flow from choroid to retina
• As a result, nutrients cannot reach retina and waste products cannot leave from the retina.
• It leads to ischemia of RPE and photoreceptors which causes Dry AMD
• Eventually there are breaks occur in bruch's membrane
• Blood vessels grow from choroidal circulation into retina.
• It causes Wet AMD

In dry AMD, there will be loss of photoreceptors and it presents as faded/blind spotes in central vision.Straight and faded lines are seen when looking at grid of straight lines

In wet AMD, new abnormal blood vesssels may leak blood and serous fluid under the retina. It presents as distorted central vision. Distorted lines are seen when looking at a grid of straight lines.