What is Macular Degeneration ?
Macular degeneration (AMD) is damage or breakdown of the macula of the eye. The macula is the small area in the center of the macula at the back of the eye, that allows us to see fine details clearly. Macular degeneration can make driving and close work (like threading a needle or reading) difficult or impossible.When the macula doesn't function correctly, we experience blurring or darkness in the center of our vision. Although macular degeneration reduces vision in the central part of the retina, it does not affect the eye's side, or peripheral, vision. For example, you could see a clock, but not be able to tell what time it is.
Macular degeneration alone does not result in total blindness. Most people continue to have some useful vision and are able to take care of themselves.
Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body's natural aging process. The two most common types of age-related macular degeneration are "dry"(atrophic) and "wet" (exudative).
"Wet" macular degeneration (exudative) -- "Wet" macular degeneration accounts for about 10% of all cases of AMD. It results when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the abnormal macula. These new blood vessels leak fluid or blood and blur central vision. Vision loss may be rapid and severe.
"Dry" macular degeneration (atrophic) -- This is the more common type of AMD. It is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. Vision loss is usually gradual.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration causes different symptoms in different people. Sometimes only one eye loses vision while the other eye continues to see well for many years. The condition may be hardly noticeable in its early stages. But when both eyes are affected, reading and close work can become difficult. You may experience one or more of the following:
- colors look dim,
- words on a page look blurred,
- straight lines look distorted, especially toward the center of vision, or
- a dark or empty area appears in the center of vision.
Normal Vision
Macular degeneration
Treatments for
Macular Degeneration
Despite ongoing research, there is no cure yet for AMD. Treatment of the more common "dry" form involves helping the patient cope with resulting visual impairment. Research has demonstrated a possible mild benefit from the use of higher does anti-oxident vitamins in slowing down the progression of the dry macular changes. There are many varieties of these vitamins on the market today.
Various low vision optical devices can help people to continue with many of their favorite activities. These devices include: magnifying devices, closed-circuit television, large-print reading materials, talking or computerized devices.
In the early stages of "wet" macular degeneration, a new form of treatment has become available in recent years. This involves the injection of a medication into the back of the eye, causing regression of the abnormal blood vessels. This can lead to reduction in the blood and fluid in the macula. However, this is NOT a cure. If visual loss affects a patient's daily activities, low-vision optical devices can help.