Further diagnoses of degenerative eye diseases besides Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma
Retinal degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy are among the degenerative eye diseases.
Besides wet and dry macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma, there are other degenerative eye diseases. They also need to be taken into account.
Retinal Degeneration as a degenerative eye disease
Retinal degeneration describes the gradual deterioration of the light-sensitive cells in the retina that are responsible for converting light into nerve impulses.
This process can lead to visual impairments ranging from minor impairment to complete blindness. The main causes are genetic predisposition and the natural ageing process.
Retinitis Pigmentosa a degenerative eye disease
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a inherited, degenerative retinal disease characterised by the gradual loss of photoreceptors, particularly rod and cone cells.
This loss results in progressive vision loss, beginning with night blindness and peripheral visual field loss. As the disease progresses, central vision may also be affected.
Genetic mutations affecting photoreceptor metabolism and retinal function are thought to be the main causes.
Diabetic Retinopathy as a degenerative eye disease
Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus in which persistently elevated blood glucose levels damage blood vessels in the retina.
This leads to progressive changes in the retinal vasculature, ranging from initial microaneurysm to neovascularisation and retinal scarring.
These changes can impair vision, although early stages of the disease are often asymptomatic.
Like macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, retinal degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy is one of the degenerative eye diseases.
