Macular Degeneration
Nearly 20 million adults in the United States live with macular degeneration, making it one of the leading causes of vision loss. Unfortunately, the odds are good that you or a loved one may experience this condition someday, so it’s good to know what it entails.
Location of the Macula: The macula is a small pigmented area located in the very center of the retina. It’s center is slightly shifted to the temporal side away from the optical axis. The fovea, a part of the macula located within its center, is the area that allows for the sharpest visual acuity. Dry AMD often starts in the macular periphery and then closes in on the fovea with disease progression.”
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that impacts the center of your vision but leaves the periphery unaffected. It’s often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because it’s most common in adults over 50 and tends to get worse as the patient ages. Stargardt disease is a rare variant called juvenile macular degeneration that can manifest as young as childhood.
Dry (Atrophic) Macular Degeneration
This is the more common type of macular degeneration, accounting for 85–90% of all cases. Dry macular degeneration results from protein deposits called drusen forming under the eye’s macula. This condition usually progresses slowly and may not lead to total central vision loss.
Wet (Exudative) Macular Degeneration
This is a more severe but rarer form of the condition. Blood vessels that ooze fluid can develop under your macula and retina. The oozing causes a bulge in the macula, which can lead quickly to total central vision loss.
Causes
The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, although a number of risk factors increase the likelihood of someone developing the disease. These include:
- Smoking
- Old age
- Heredity
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
Symptoms
The most significant indicator of macular degeneration is diminished central vision. What vision looks like with macular degeneration can vary, however. It might manifest as:
- Blurry vision
- Changes in perceiving colors
- Blank or dark spots
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Wavy or curving lines
Diagnosis
Routine eye exams are crucial for diagnosing all eye conditions, including macular degeneration. A retinal exam is a normal part of any eye exam, no matter your age. If you have other risk factors for AMD, including your age, your doctor may also have you look at an Amsler grid to see whether the lines look straight (which is good) or wavy (which may indicate macular degeneration). It doesn’t reduce the importance of annual exams, but you can also consult an Amsler grid at home.
If there’s cause for concern, expect one of two tests. Angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are used to examine the retina and look for fluid beneath the macula.
Treatment Options
Currently, there’s no treatment for macular degeneration that provides a cure. Patients can try to slow its progression through lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and through better eating habits. Research points to supplements that can slow the condition’s progress. AREDS 2 supplements include large amounts of:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Lutein
- Zinc
- Copper
- Zeaxanthin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary?
How Long Does It Take for Macular Degeneration to Cause Blindness?
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