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 bit
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 have "dry" Macular
Degeneration. It is caused by aging and
thinning of the tissues of the macula.
Vision loss is usually gradual.
"Wet" Macular Degeneration
(Exudative)
"Wet" Macular Degeneration
accounts for about 10% of all cases. It
results when abnormal blood vessels from
at the back of the eye. These new blood
vessels leak fluid or blood and blur 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 eye continues
to see well for many years. But when both
eyes are affected, the loss of central
vision may be noticed more quickly.
Following are some common
ways vision loss is detected:
Words on a page look
blurred
A dark or empty area
appears in the center of vision
Straight lines look distorted
as in the following diagram:
How Is Macular Degeneration
Treated?
Despite ongoing medical
research, there is not cure yet for "dry"
Macular Degeneration. Some doctors believe
that nutritional supplements may slow
Macular Degeneration, although this has
not yet been proven, Treatment of this
condition focuses on helping a person
find ways to cope with visual impairment.
In its early stages "wet"
Macular Degeneration can be treated with
laser surgery, a brief and usually painless
outpatient procedure. 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. Dr.
Anderson can prescribe optical devises
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. Often,
people can continue with many of their
favorite activities by using low-vision
optical devices such as magnifying devices,
closed-circuit television, large-print
reading materials, and talking or computerized
devices.
Testing Your Vision
With The Amsler Grid
You can check you vision
daily by using the Amsler grid like the
one pictured below. You may find changes
in your vision you wouldn't notice otherwise.
Putting the grid on the front of your
refrigerator is a good way to remember
to look at it each day.
To use the grid:
Wear your reading glasses
and hold this grid at 12-15 inches in
good light.
Cover on eye.
Look directly at the
center dot.
While looking directly
at the center dot, note whether all
lines of the grid are straight or if
any areas are distorted, blurred or
dark.
Repeat this procedure
with the other eye.
If any area of the grid
looks wavy, contact Dr. Anderson immediately.
