Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a disease of the eye, often called age-related macular degeneration

(AMD). There are two types of macular degeneration. The first type, called dry macular

degeneration, affects most people. Wet macular degeneration is the second kind; it affects only 10% of the population. Dry macular degeneration is the focus of this article.

The retina is visible in the anatomy of the eye.

This is where the damage enters the eye and progresses to the retina, where it is then transmitted to the optic nerve and carried to the brain. Once in the brain, images and colors are formed. If dry macular degeneration is present, the image that progresses straight through the pupil goes to the center of the back of the eye. The macula is present in the central part of the retina. Dry macular degeneration occurs because yellow protein deposits form under your macula. These deposits dry and thin your macula. This decreases your ability to see.

Symptoms

• Being less able to see in low light

• Blurred vision

• Problem or changes in how you see color

• Low vision

• Straight lines may appear WAVY or curved. You should see your doctor immediately if this happens

• Blank or dark spots in your field of vision

Diagnosis

Annual eye exams are extremely important as an individual gets older. The provider will

examine the retina and macula for changes. If changes are seen, the provider will use an Amsler grid test. This test is a grid with lines. The provider has the patient look for blank spots or curvy lines. The grid findings will help your provider determine the severity of the disease. The provider will also dilate the eye to obtain a clear view of the retina and macula. If your provider notices a change, they can provide guidelines for caring for your eyes. If the provider finds wet macular degeneration, he will refer you to a specialist. Wet AMD requires different treatment because it is caused by fluid accumulation or leaking blood vessels beneath the macula. The specialist uses special techniques to stop the bleeding in the eye.

Individuals at Risk

• People with a family history of AMD

• Overweight

• Smoking

• Hypertension

• It's more common in white people

• Age 60 and over

  
  

Sadly, there is no cure for either type of macular degeneration; steps can be taken to detect early development, and then measures can be taken to help prevent progression.

Prevent progression

• Manage all your medical conditions, especially high blood pressure

• Don't smoke

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly

• Choose a diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish

• Wear prescription sunglasses when in the sun

Research is ongoing to identify strategies to prevent AMD and to treat it when it occurs. The

National Eye Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health and is actively involved in

numerous research studies. Some researchers examine the genetic factors that predispose

individuals to develop the disease, while other studies seek the optimal method for early

diagnosis. There is hope for the future: with advanced testing, our now-common age-related

disease can be detected early, making treatment more effective at preventing progression.

References

mayoclinic.org/ diseases. Macular degeneration: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Mayo

Clinic staff.

My.clevelandclinic.org. Macular degeneration: symptoms diagnosis and treatment. Medically

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