Over the age of 50, age-related macular degeneration can affect the retina and cause significant vision problems.

Tuesday in "Without appointment" on Europe 1, doctor Jimmy Mohamed details everything we know about this disease and the few visual exercises to be done to limit its effects.

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At the microphone of

 Sans rendez-vous

 Tuesday on Europe 1, Thomas, an auditor from Dijon, says that his father's doctor diagnosed him with macular degeneration.

The doctor explained to him that this degeneration was related to age but Thomas is worried and would like to know more.

 Doctor and columnist Jimmy Mohamed confirms that age is an important explanatory factor and gives some ideas for doing visual exercises.

>> Find all of Sans rendez-vous every day from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Europe 1 as well as in replay and podcast here

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

"AMD corresponds to the degradation of the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina, where the light rays will converge. As the central part of the retina will be damaged, central vision will be affected but peripheral vision preserved.This is the leading cause of visual impairment in France.We do not end up totally blind when we have this disease.

What are the causes ?

Age is the main risk factor after 50 years.

The frequency of this risk increases with age: at age 50, there is a 1% risk of having AMD, then it drops to 30% after 75 years.

But there are other factors such as genetics or obesity.

If you are overweight, you are more at risk of developing AMD.

Tobacco is also a risk factor.

Conversely, certain factors are protective: consuming foods rich in omega 3 can reduce the risk of AMD.

How to recognize the symptoms?

At first, AMD can be asymptomatic because there are several forms of AMD.

In its dry form, only small deposits form on the retina.

In its wet form, there is a production of vessels that lift the retina and reach central vision.

To identify the disease, a very simple test can be done.

To do this, you have to download a grid called the Amsler grid.

It's a squared grid with a small dot in the middle.

If you see this point, you are fine.

But if you start to see distorted lines, it may be the first symptoms of AMD, so you should consult.

This grid is easily found on the internet.

Concretely, AMD will interfere with reading and the person concerned will need more and more light to see.

Secondly, the objects are seen in a slightly distorted way.

Is there any treatment and exercises to do?

Treatment consists of injections to block the formation of the offending blood vessels.

Thanks to gene therapy or other cell therapy, it is hoped that we will soon be able to prevent the spread of these vessels in order to avoid having to make these injections.

An orthoptist can also offer you rehabilitation exercises, which will aim for the patient to use his peripheral vision to compensate for the lack of central vision.

Obviously, this is not part of the treatment but it can be of help to best support the patient.