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What is Macular Degeneration? Macular degeneration occurs when the center of the retina, known as the macula, is damaged. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over the age of 55. The cause of macular degeneration is unknown. Although the macula is very small, it is responsible for acute vision. Normal everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching television, recognizing faces, and detailed work such as needlepoint or drawing are dependent upon a healthy macula. Macular degeneration affects central vision only. Peripheral vision and color vision usually remain normal. This loss of central vision usually occurs gradually. Macular degeneration typically affects both eyes, although not necessarily at the same time. Additionally, each eye’s vision may decline at different rates. What Are The Types Macular Degeneration? Macular degeneration is either age related or non-age related. Age Related Macular Degeneration There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration – wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration. The dry form of macular degeneration is responsible for seventy percent of all age-related macular degeneration cases. Patients who experience the dry form have a thinning of macular tissues and pigmentation deformities. The wet form of macular degeneration makes up the remaining thirty percent of age related macular degeneration cases. Patients with wet macular degeneration experience bleeding within and beneath the retina, opaque deposits on the retina, and eventually develop scar tissue on the retina. Wet macular degeneration often leads to legal blindness. Non-Age Related Macular Degeneration Younger patients who suffer from macular degeneration often have forms other than the wet and dry forms. Little is known about this form of the disease, but it is possible that non-age related macular degeneration is linked to heredity, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, eye or head injuries, or infection. How is Macular Degeneration Detected? Although the cause of macular degeneration is unknown, there are signs that the disease is present in the eye. Patients experiencing any of the following symptoms should see an ophthalmologist immediately:
A qualified ophthalmologist can detect signs of macular degeneration during a routine eye examination. Declining vision or a change in the eye’s blood vessels are often indications that macular degeneration is occurring. Common eye ailments that are not thought to be linked to macular degeneration include cataracts and cataract surgery, dry eye syndrome, and floaters (moving spots in the field of vision). Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection is important. Once the disease is identified, treatments are available to halt or slowdown the disease’s progression and preserve vision. Further, there is extensive research being done in this field and advanced treatments are being developed. The sooner patients with macular degeneration are diagnosed, the earlier they can receive these advanced treatments. TLC Eyecare and Laser Centers offers sophisticated eye exams that are capable of detecting macular degeneration early, before you develop noticeable symptoms. We offer the most advanced macular degeneration treatment options available. Preserving and protecting your vision from macular degeneration depends upon routine eye exams. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. |
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