Thermodynamical aspects of age-related macular degenerations.(News & Views)

Summary

The second law of thermodynamics (entropy) is a principle of nature, which describes direction and time of processes that take place from order to disorder following the theory of probabilities. The course from regeneration to degeneration aims at maximal entropy. In this context, energy destabilizes the unstable equilibrium of the complex -vascular, tri-neuronal, and cortical-macular system. Trajectory movements of the molecules, as well as undulation of the optic nerve, regulate visual functions. Humid Macular Degeneration (MD) is the final result of a thermodynamically equalization and dissolution of the chorio-retinal membrane of Bruch. It represents the change from an open-reversible to a closed-irreversible system.

The interaction of physical theory and medical practice helps in solving the problems of patients.

Introduction

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious disease, which may lead to practical blindness. In conventional ophthalmology, there is no successful treatment, especially for early stages of dry Macular Degeneration (MD). Since there is an increase in the amount of cases due to the demographic development of the industrial societies (at the moment there are about 25 million concerned individuals), this problem is going to become more and more relevant.

Macular degeneration is a complex disease with a changing clinical picture. Not only is visual acuity quantitatively reduced; there are also qualitative disturbances of the whole senso-motory system, as well.

The suitable approach is first of all to differentiate between the various symptoms and stages and to classify them. Until now, we thought that the pathophysiological explanation lies in measurable changes of anomalies and cells layers, which were treated by vaso-activa and laser-therapy. Fluorescence angiography justifies merely the necessity of laser-coagulation. In general, the methods of conventional ophthalmologic research are based upon classical physics (Galileo, Newton) where the object is regarded as pre-existent and disposable. It is regarded that the eye works according to the principle of a camera. Knowledge …