Macular Degeneration

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a disorder of the macula, which is part of your retina. There are two types:

Dry macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is the type that affects most people. Deposits of tiny fatty proteins known as drusen collect on the macula, causing it to deteriorate. The result is a gradual loss of focus in the center of your vision.

Wet macular degeneration 

Wet macular degeneration is due to abnormal blood vessels growing inside your retina. These vessels might leak, leading to scar tissue forming. Macula function deteriorates as the scar tissue builds up.

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of sight problems in people over the age of 65.

What symptoms does macular degeneration cause?

At first, you might not notice any changes in your vision if you have macular degeneration. Over time, you might begin to see blurred areas in the center of your line of sight. These areas might also look dark or even white.

Lines you know are straight can appear distorted, and macular degeneration may affect how you see colors.

Symptoms like these might be the first noticeable signs of macular degeneration, but the disease could be at an advanced stage by the time they’re present. For this reason, it's important to visit the 2020 Family Vision regularly for a checkup.

They use advanced technology called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect the changes caused by macular degeneration.

How is macular degeneration treated?

There isn't a cure for macular degeneration, but there are some effective treatments available.

Dietary supplementation can be beneficial in delaying macular degeneration, as shown in the National Institute for Health (NIH) National Eye Institute Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).

The study's findings recommend a combination of vitamins and minerals called the AREDS2 formulation, which contains:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc oxide
• Cupric oxide
• Lutein 
• Zeaxanthin
• Omega-3 fatty acids

AREDS2 is used widely as a safe way to slow down dry macular degeneration. There are also visual aids available with special lenses, and others that use electronics. These help you see more clearly and allow you to continue reading.

Treatments for wet macular degeneration include:

Anti-angiogenic drugs

An injection of these drugs into your eye can prevent the formation of abnormal blood vessels and stop them from leaking when you have wet macular degeneration.

Laser therapy

High-energy laser beams can kill any abnormal blood vessels while they're actively growing.

Photodynamic laser therapy

In this treatment, you have an injection of light-sensitive medication that the abnormal blood vessels in your eye absorb. When laser energy activates the drug, it destroys the blood vessels.

Avoid early vision loss by scheduling your next eye exam. Call 2020 Family Vision or schedule an appointment online today.