What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration causes irreversible loss of vision primarily in individuals who are 60 years of age and older. There are two million new cases diagnosed each year with an estimated ten million Americans afflicted with this disease.

Causes of macular degeneration

The specific cause of macular degeneration is not definitive, and research is limited. Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion, which is the back layer of the eye. This part of the retina records what we see and sends the images by way of the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. The macula is responsible for the eye’s ability to focus.

Types of macular degeneration

There are two types of macular degeneration – dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is a chronic disease of the eye with vision loss in the center of the field of vision. It does not cause total blindness but it decreases ones quality of life, and makes it difficult to recognize faces, drive and read. Wet macular degeneration is indicative of leaky blood vessels that cause swelling; this is the more severe form and can cause the retina to detach.

Treatments

There is no standard treatment or cure for macular degeneration. While there are no proven preventive medications, it is best to have eye examinations especially if you are over 45 years old with a family history of the disease. Recommendations most often include eating a balanced diet rich in green, leafy vegetables, protecting your eyes from sun exposure and quitting smoking.

Current research includes considering the possibility of transplanting healthy cells into a diseased retina and working on anti-inflammatory treatments for wet macular degeneration. Until a cure is found, eye care professionals offer low-vision counseling, training and other special services for individuals with visual impairments due to macular degeneration.