Macular Degeneration
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a deterioration or breakdown
of the macula. The macula is a small area in the retina at the back of
the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly and perform activities
such as reading and driving. When the macula does not function correctly,
your central vision can be affected by blurriness, dark areas or distortion.
Macular degeneration affects your ability to see near or far, 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 but not be able
to tell what time it is.
Macular degeneration alone does not result in total
blindness. Even in more advanced cases, people continue to have some useful
vision and are often able to take care of themselves. In many cases, macular
degeneration's impact on your vision can be minimal.
What Causes Macular Degeneration?
Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body's
natural aging process. There are different kinds of macular problems,
but the most common is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Exactly
why it develops is not known, and no treatment has been uniformly effective.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Caucasians
over 65.
The two most common types of AMD are "dry" (atrophic) and
"wet" (exudative):
"Dry" Macular Degeneration (Atrophic) - Most
people have the "dry" form of AMD. It is caused by aging and
thinning of the tissues of the macula. Vision loss is usually gradual.
"Wet" Macular Degeneration (Exudative) - The
"wet" form of macular degeneration accounts for about 10% of
all AMD cases. It results when abnormal blood vessels form underneath
the retina 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.
Although not as common, it accounts for 90% of all blindness. Some cases
are treatable with laser surgery, which is done in the doctor's office
after which the patient would return for follow-up exams.
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.
How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
Many people do not realize that they have a macular problem until blurred
vision becomes obvious. Your ophthalmologist (eye M.D.) can detect early
stages of AMD during a medical examination that includes the following:
- A simple vision test in which you look at a chart (Amsler grid);
- Viewing the macula with an ophthalmoscope;
- Taking special photographs of the eye called fluorescein angiographs
to find abnormal blood vessels under the retina.
Age is the greatest risk factor, but the following groups of people have
been found to be more likely to get AMD: women, whites, smokers and those
whose immediate family members have had AMD.
The most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to have
your eyes examined by an eye care professional at least once a year, particularly
if you are age 60 or older.
To Learn More About Our Macular Degeneration Specialist:
Jaime Jiménez, M.D.
Video
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described
here, please call 601-264-EYES or email
us today to schedule your evaluation.
(601)264-3937
1420 S. 28th Ave
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