Macular Degeneration
Understanding Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that primarily affects older adults, though it can sometimes occur in younger individuals. It impacts the macula, a small but crucial part of the retina at the back of your eye. The macula is responsible for your central vision, which you use for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
In Macular Degeneration, small deposits of material accumulate within the delicate tissue layers of the macula. These deposits lead to different levels of damage in the eye, and different effects on your vision.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two main types of macular degeneration, each with different characteristics:
Dry Macular Degeneration (Atrophic)
Description: This is the most common form, accounting for about 90% of cases. It occurs when the macula thins and deteriorates over time. You might notice gradual changes in your central vision, such as blurriness or difficulty reading.
Symptoms: Symptoms develop slowly and may include blurred or distorted vision, and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. In the early stages, there might be no noticeable symptoms.
Management: While there's no cure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help slow progression. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, avoiding smoking, and managing overall health.
Supplements: There are special eye health supplements available that have been shown through research to slow the progression of Dry Macular Degeneration. Make an appointment today to learn more.
Wet Macular Degeneration (Exudative)
Description: This less common but more severe type occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. This leakage causes rapid damage to the macula.
Symptoms: Symptoms can develop quickly and may include sudden changes in vision, such as seeing straight lines as wavy or experiencing a loss of central vision. This type often requires more immediate treatment.
Management: Treatments may include injections of medication into the eye to reduce swelling and prevent further vision loss.
Andre Eye and Optical is currently preparing to offer these special injection medications to our patients. Check back with us, as we estimate these treatments will be available starting in 2025.
Living with Macular Degeneration
Living with macular degeneration involves regular eye exams to monitor changes and manage symptoms. Your eye doctor can help tailor a plan to preserve your vision and quality of life. They might recommend vision aids or rehabilitation services to assist with daily activities.
Support from family, friends, and support groups can also make a big difference. They can help you adjust to changes and provide emotional support as you navigate this condition.
Remember, while macular degeneration can affect your central vision, peripheral vision (side vision) usually remains intact. This means you can still move around and perform many daily tasks with some adjustments.
If you have any questions or concerns about macular degeneration, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We are here to support you and provide personalized advice based on your specific needs.
One of the early signs of macular degeneration is blurring or loss of your central vision, as seen in this picture.
This image shows drusen in the central macula (yellow spots). This is an example of Dry Macular Degeneration.
Macular Degeneration is often difficult to diagnose. Our clinic offers advanced retina imaging that can see through the layers of the eye and retina, and identify the disease even before a person can notice vision changes
