What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a relatively common cause for loss of central vision in individuals over the age of 45. It is related to aging, has a hereditary tendency and occurs in areas of the country which receive larger amounts of sunlight such as Texas. The macula is a small central area of the retina responsible for central vision. Deterioration of the macula results in blurry vision when a person looks directly at an object. The peripheral or side vision is not affected. There are three forms of macular degeneration: a dry form, a wet form and a type called pigment epithelial detachment.

Macular degeneration does not effect peripheral vision. Even in cases which are extremely severe, patients will see well enough to take care of themselves and continue activities which do not require detailed vision. The dry form of the disease is the most common form and is very slowly progressive. The wet form, fortunately, is much less common and occurs only in about ten percent of cases and this occurs when there is leakage or hemorrhaging inside the macula.

Regular examinations at home with a grid are important for patients with macular degeneration. A person with macular degeneration may notice distortion of the grid pattern such as bent lines and irregular box shapes or a gray shaded area in the amsler grid. If changes occur in the ansler grid, it is important that an eye examination be done very soon to look for the wet form of macular degeneration which sometimes will respond to laser treatment.

There is no cure for the most common form of macular degeneration which is the dry form. Recently, however, nutritional supplementation with Zinc and Selemium has been shown to be effective in many patients. Also, antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E may play a protective role.

Low vision optical aids such as magnifiers often improve the vision for people with macular degeneration. Several different types of magnifying devices are available. With visual aids, most patients are able to lead a relatively comfortable and normal life.

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