Your Vision
: Diseases & Conditions
: Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is
damage or breakdown of the
macula. The macula is a
small area at the back of
the eye that allows us to
see fine details clearly.
When the macula doesn't
function correctly, we experience
blurriness or darkness in
the center of our vision.
Macular degeneration affects
both distance and close
vision, and can make some
activities -- like threading
a needle or reading -- difficult
or impossible.
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 the outline of
a clock but not be able
to tell what time it is.
Macular
degeneration alone does not
result in total blindness.
People continue to have some
useful vision and are able
to take care of themselves.
What causes macular degeneration?
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):
"Dry" Macular
Degeneration (Atrophic)
Most people with Macular Degeneration have "dry" macular degeneration. Basically, this is caused by
atrophy and aging of the tissues of the normal macula. Vision loss is usually gradual but can be severe.
"Wet" Macular
Degeneration (Exudative)
"Wet" macular degeneration is the less common
but more severe form of the disease. It results
when abnormal blood vessels form at the back
of the eye. These new blood vessels leak fluid
or blood into or beneath the retina and impair
a patient's central vision. Vision loss may be
rapid and severe.
What are the symptoms of
macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration can cause different symptoms in different people. The condition may be hardly
noticeable in its early stages. Sometimes only one eye loses vision while the other continues to see well for
many years. But when both eyes are affected, the loss of central vision may be noticed more quickly. A
distortion of central vision in one or both eyes may be an indication of macular degeneration.
How is macular degeneration
diagnosed?
Many people do not realize that they have a macular problem until blurred vision becomes obvious. Your
ophthalmologist can detect early stages of macular degeneration during a comprehensive medical eye
examination.
How is macular degeneration
treated?
Despite ongoing medical
research, there is no cure
yet for "dry" macular degeneration. Recent studies
(known as AREDS) have indicated that certain vitamins and minerals can slow the progression of macular
degeneration. More information on this subject is available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd/. Treatment of
this condition focuses on helping a person find ways to cope with visual impairment.
Significant breakthroughs
have been made in the last
few years in the treatment
of "wet" macular
degeneration. Substances known as VEGF inhibitors can be injected into the eye often resulting in
stabilization or improvement of vision in cases of wet ARMD, especially if of recent onset. Some cases still
will require laser surgery. Laser surgery uses a highly focused beam of light to seal the leaking blood
vessels that damage the macula. Although a small, permanently dark "blind spot" is
left at the point of laser
contact, the procedure can
preserve more sight overall.
Despite advanced medical
treatment, many people with
macular degeneration still
experience some vision loss.
Your ophthalmologist can
prescribe optical devices
or refer you to a low-vision
specialist or center. A
wide range of support services
and rehabilitation programs
are also available to help
people with macular degeneration
maintain a satisfying lifestyle.
Because peripheral vision
is usually not affected,
a person's remaining sight
can be very useful. Often
people can continue with
many of their favorite activities
by using low-vision optical
aids such as magnifying
devices, closed-circuit
television, large-print
reading materials and talking
or computerized devices.
