What Is Dry Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a disorder of the eye that usually affects older adults and is accompanied by a loss of sight in the center of the field of vision. This is caused by damage to the retina that happens over the course of a person's life. It is considered a very detrimental disease that makes it hard to recognize faces but does allow for daily activities to continue. There are two forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry, with the wet form considered the more detrimental of the two.

Dry macular degeneration

In dry macular degeneration, debris known as drusen accumulates between the retina and the choroid, causing the retina to detach. This differs from the wet form where blood vessels grow from behind the retina from the choroid, also causing the retina to detach. The dry form results in a loss of vision through the loss of photoreceptors in the center of the eye. This condition is currently untreatable through surgery or the use of drugs. There are recommended vitamins and supplements for use to slow the progression of the disease, however. In some cases, this can even lead to an increase in vision in some patients. A high intake of beta carotene is associated with a higher risk of macular degeneration, as well.

This disorder is very harmful and can prove extremely frustrating for those that suffer from it. It does not, however, stop those who have it from leading completely normal lives, once they have learned how to cope with it. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there is the possibility of improving vision through the use of certain supplements.