What is Macular Degeneration?

Photo by Harpreet Singh on Unsplash

Macular degeneration happens over time as we age. The macular is essentially the center most part of the eye internally. This is the center of the retina. As the degeneration occurs, one will commonly notice slight blurriness or vision distortion, and this will progressively gets worse. These symptoms are typically only mild to begin with. This does not happen to everyone, and is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50, but can begin to occur as early as 40. Macular degeneration is a very serious eye condition, and one of the leading causes of blindness and vision impairment. It is very important to have an eye exam as soon as possible if you are noticing any changes in vision.

• What is the main cause of macular degeneration?
  Unfortunately, it is yet to be determined what the main cause of macular degeneration is. It is believed that risk factors include genetic disposition, age, increased blood pressure, obesity, smoking and high cholesterol. As with many things, it could be hereditary in nature. What is known, is that the condition does appear to main occur as we age.

• What are the 2 types of macular degeneration?
  The 2 types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. Wet AMD is considered to be advanced AMD and is usually more severe than the dry form. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision in the affected eye can be lost. If you have vision loss from dry AMD in one eye only, you may not notice any changes in your overall vision.

  With the other eye seeing clearly, you can still drive, read, and see fine details. You may notice changes in your vision only if AMD affects both eyes. If you experience blurry vision, please call to make an appointment with us here at Perich Eye Center.

• What is the best treatment for macular degeneration?
  Prevention steps and regular eye exams can go a long way toward keeping the devastating effects of macular degeneration at bay. Here at Perich Eye Center, we can treat wet AMD with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and painless injection of medication into the eye. We want to be clear that while these treatments can slow the progression of wet AMD can not be completely cured. Loss of vision may progress despite treatment.

• How long does it take to lose vision with macular degeneration?

  Most people see a 10 year span from diagnosis to legal blindness depending mainly on how far along the deterioration of the macular is when diagnosed. Some cases can move rather quickly, while others may find they are slower in the process and could never go legal blind, however there is no complete cure for it at this time.

• Can anything else be done for macular degeneration?

  It is recommended to quit smoking if that is a habit of yours. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight through exercise and a higher plant based diet can always help. Taking care of your overall health is a great way to slow any symptoms and give your treatments their best shot at working. Fish and green leafy vegetables can be very helpful. Vitamins with high levels of certain antioxidants (E, C, A, and beta-carotene with zinc) have been found to offer significant benefits when it comes to reducing the likelihood of macular degeneration.