*Welcome once again to Retina e Vítreo, the channel that answers all your questions about the retina. Today we're going to answer a frequent question from our followers: “Do exercises for macular degeneration work?”*
#### What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for central vision and fine detail. This disease can lead to significant loss of central vision, impacting daily activities such as reading, driving and recognizing faces.
#### The Importance of Proper Treatment
Before we discuss exercises, it is crucial to highlight the importance of proper treatment for macular degeneration. The most common treatment for the wet form of AMD is intravitreal injections of anti-angiogenic drugs, which help control the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina.
Abandoning proven medical treatment in favor of unvalidated methods, such as visual exercises, can lead to progression of the disease and irreversible loss of vision.
#### Vision Exercises: Myth or Reality?
For some time now, methods that promise to improve vision through visual exercises have been circulating on the internet and among patients. However, after an extensive review of the scientific literature, we found that there is *no scientific proof* that visual exercises can improve or reverse conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal detachment or glaucoma.
#### The Placebo Effect and the Perception of Symptoms
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, some patients report feeling improvements after performing visual exercises. This can be attributed to the **placebo effect**, where belief in the treatment leads to a subjective perception of improvement. This does not mean that the disease is being treated, but that the patient feels better about their symptoms.
#### Conclusion: What to do?
**So do exercises for macular degeneration work? The answer is, not from a scientific point of view.
However, if you choose to try the exercises, **don't abandon the treatment indicated by your ophthalmologist**. Continue with the intravitreal anti-angiogenic injections and always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment regime.
#### Final Tips
1. *Consult Your Ophthalmologist:* Each case is unique, and regular medical follow-up is essential.
2. *Continuous Treatment:* Never interrupt proven treatment without medical advice.
3. *Education and Information:* Stay informed about your condition and the treatments available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
**1. What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
- Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty seeing fine details, and a dark or empty spot in the center of vision.
*2. Is there a cure for macular degeneration?*
- There is currently no cure for AMD, but the treatments available can help slow down the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
**3. Is there anything I can do to prevent macular degeneration?
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in antioxidants, not smoking, and protecting the eyes from excessive exposure to sunlight, can help reduce the risk of developing AMD.
This video and its comments are not a substitute for a medical consultation and are for educational purposes only. They should not be used for decision-making purposes, which requires a face-to-face consultation with a specialist doctor.
Author:
Dr. Mário César Bulla
Cremers 28120
Ophthalmologist - Retinologist
www.clinicabulla.com.br
www.especialistaemretina.com.br
Instagram: @retina.bulla
Video URL: • Qual cirurgia é mais d...
@Retina e Vítreo
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0:00 Do eye exercises work?
1:28 What is the correct treatment for macular degeneration?
2:00 Don't stop the right treatment.
2:20 Possible benefits of eye exercises.