Macular degeneration: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most common cause of blindness in people older than 65 years?
A. Diabetic retinopathy
B. Glaucoma
C. Age-related macular degeneration
D. Cataracts
E. Hypertensive retinopathy
The answer is C. Age-related macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina; there are two main types: wet and dry. Overall, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in people aged 65 and older. Clinical features include central visual impairment (painless) and difficulty adapting to changes in lighting. Patients may also complain that straight lines appear wavy. Fundoscopy can be used to actually show the degenerative changes. Fluorescence angiography is a tool that can help confirm the diagnosis of wet AMD. First-line treatment specifically of wet AMD is VEGF inhibitor injections.
Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint EENT ⇒ Retinal disorders ⇒ Macular degeneration
Also covered as part of the Emergency Medicine EOR and Family Medicine EOR topic list