Bakersfield Eye Care | Ocular Conditions

MACULAR DEGENERATION – What Is It?

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of central vision loss among older people. It results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina, responsible for clear, sharp vision, and located on the inside back wall of the eye.

The macula is many times more sensitive than the rest of the retina and without a healthy macula, seeing detail or vivid color is not possible.

Macular degeneration may be caused by variety of factors. Genetics, age, nutrition, smoking, and sunlight exposure may all play a role.

MACULAR DEGENERATION - Signs & Symptoms

• Loss of central vision. This may be gradual for those with the dry type. Patients with the wet type may experience a sudden decrease of the central vision.

• Difficulty reading or performing tasks that require the ability to see detail

• Distorted vision (Straight lines such as a doorway or the edge of a window may appear wavy or bent.)

MACULAR DEGENERATION - Types of AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a degenerative condition of the macula (the central retina). It is the most common cause of vision loss in the United States in those 50 or older, and its prevalence increases with age. AMD is caused by hardening of the arteries that nourish the retina. This deprives the sensitive retinal tissue of oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function and thrive. As a result, the central vision deteriorates.

AMD is classified as either wet (neovascular) or dry (non-neovascular). About 10% of patients who suffer from macular degeneration have wet AMD. This type occurs when new vessels form to improve the blood supply to oxygen-deprived retinal tissue. However, the new vessels are very delicate and break easily, causing bleeding and damage to surrounding tissue.

The dry type is much more common and is characterized by drusen and loss of pigment in the retina. Drusen are small, yellowish deposits that form within the layers of the retina.

MACULAR DEGENERATION – Detection Methods

In a comprehensive eye examination, your doctor will perform a variety of tests to determine if you have macular degeneration or another condition causing your symptoms. Some common tests performed durng a retinal exam include:

• Vision testing
• Amsler grid test
• Ophthalmoscopy
• Fundus photography
• Fluorescein angiography

MACULAR DEGENERATION – Treatment

There is no proven medical therapy for dry macular degeneration. In selected cases of wet macular degeneration, laser photocoagulation is effective for sealing leaking or bleeding vessels. Unfortunately, laser photocoagulation usually does not restore lost vision, but it may prevent further loss. Early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment of wet macular degeneration. Patients can help the doctor detect early changes by monitoring vision at home with an Amsler grid.
Additionally, since macular degeneration does not damage side vision, low vision aids such as telescopic and microscopic special lenses, magnifying glasses and electronic magnifiers for close work, can be prescribed to help make the most of remaining vision. Often, a person, with adaptation, can cope well and continue to do most things they were accustomed to doing.

Remember! Early detection of macular degeneration is the most important factor in determining if you can be treated effectively.