What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that primarily affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The condition leads to a gradual loss of central vision, which is crucial for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details.
Types of Macular Degeneration
This condition has two primary forms: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Both forms fall under the broader category of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss among older adults.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that affects people as they age, typically after age 50. It occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina) becomes damaged, resulting in blurred or reduced central vision. AMD does not affect peripheral (side) vision but can severely impair the ability to see fine details, such as reading or recognizing faces.
The course of treatment for AMD depends on the type—dry or wet—and the stage of progression. While there is no cure for AMD, treatments can help slow the condition and protect vision.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration accounts for about 80-90% of all AMD cases. It occurs when the macula thins over time, causing the gradual loss of central vision.
Dry AMD typically progresses slowly and has three stages: early, intermediate, and advanced. In the early and intermediate stages, vision loss may be minimal or not noticeable. In advanced stages, however, central vision may blur or develop blind spots.
There is currently no cure for dry AMD, but treatments can help slow its progression.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is a less common but more aggressive form of AMD. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid vision loss.
Wet AMD can lead to sudden and severe vision impairment, which requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage.
Treatment for wet AMD focuses on controlling the growth of abnormal blood vessels and preventing further damage to the macula.
Macular Degeneration Symptoms & Causes
Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, responsible for detailed tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
The symptoms can vary depending on the type (dry or wet) and stage of the disease but generally include the following:
- Blurry or Distorted Vision: Straight lines may appear wavy or bent, and objects may look distorted.
- Difficulty Reading or Recognizing Faces: As central vision declines, reading small print or recognizing familiar faces becomes more challenging.
- Dark or Blind Spots: A dark or empty area may appear in the center of vision, leading to difficulty with activities requiring fine detail.
- Diminished Color Perception: Colors may appear less vibrant or faded.
- Need for Brighter Light: People with macular degeneration often require brighter light for reading or performing close-up tasks.
- Visual Hallucinations: In advanced stages, some individuals may experience visual hallucinations (seeing objects or patterns that aren’t present), a condition known as Charles Bonnet syndrome.
Symptoms can be subtle in the early stages, particularly for dry AMD, but regular eye exams can help detect the condition before significant vision loss occurs.
Macular Degeneration Diagnosis & Tests
At Acuity Optical, our 360+ eye exam is the cornerstone of early detection for macular degeneration. This in-depth evaluation thoroughly assesses your eye health, allowing us to detect any signs of macular degeneration early on.
Our advanced testing methods ensure we can provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment options to preserve your vision.
In addition to our comprehensive 360+ exam, additional diagnostic methods may be used to confirm and monitor the condition, including:
- Amsler Grid Test: A simple test that detects central vision distortion, helping identify early signs of macular degeneration.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing us to detect thinning, swelling, or fluid buildup associated with macular degeneration.
- Fluorescein Angiography: A specialized test where a fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream to highlight abnormal blood vessels and leakage in the retina, often used for diagnosing wet macular degeneration.
- Fundus Photography: A technique that captures detailed images of the back of the eye, including the retina and macula, to identify any abnormalities or changes over time.
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a progressive condition, but with early detection and proper care, its progression can be slowed, and vision loss can be managed.
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, various treatments can help preserve vision and maintain quality of life, depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration
For dry AMD, treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease. This can include:
- AREDS 2 Supplements: Clinical studies have shown that a specific combination of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, can help reduce the risk of advanced AMD progression.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses to protect against UV light, and eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, can also help slow the progression of dry AMD.
Treatment for Wet Macular Degeneration
For wet AMD, treatment focuses on stopping abnormal blood vessels from growing and leaking beneath the retina. Wet AMD treatment options include:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: These injections, such as Lucentis, Eylea, or Avastin, help prevent the formation of abnormal blood vessels and can slow vision loss or even improve vision in some cases. Regular injections are often required to maintain vision.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A light-sensitive drug is injected into the bloodstream and activated by a laser, which helps destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye without damaging surrounding tissue.
- Laser Therapy: In some cases, a laser may be used to destroy abnormal blood vessels and prevent further damage to the macula.
