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Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of impaired reading vision in people over the age of 55 in the United States. Macular degeneration is a result of a combination of aging and genetic predisposition, with a number of other factors such as diet and UV light exposure playing a role in progression. Macular Degeneration has two major forms, “dry” macular degeneration and an often more severe “wet” macular degeneration.

What is the Macula?
The macula is a very small area in the central retina responsible for central vision, fine detail vision, and color vision. The retina is a thin layer of light sensitive tissue which makes up the inner lining of the eye. When light enters the eye, it is focused by the cornea and the lens onto the retina and specifically the macula. Clear vision depends on each of these structures functioning properly, and ultimately our fine focus central vision we use for reading and seeing distant objects is dependant on a healthy macula.

What is Dry Macular Degeneration?
Dry Macular Degeneration usually occurs in people over age 55, and consists of deposits in retinal tissue and breakdown of those tissues. The deposits, or drusen, accumulate in the macula and can distort or blur vision. They also promote breakdown, or degeneration and atrophy of the retinal tissue. The most common symptom of dry macular degeneration is blurry or distorted and wavy central vision; however, in many mild cases there are no symptoms at all. Therefore, it is important to have routine eye exams periodically over the age of 55 to monitor for macular degeneration as well as other age related eye conditions. Progression of Dry Macular Degeneration is generally slow, with most people maintaining relatively good vision. In some cases, rapid progression to a more severe Wet Macular Degeneration is possible.

What is Wet Macular Degeneration?
In about 10% of cases of Macular Degeneration, new abnormal blood vessels form and may leak or bleed leading to a more rapid loss of vision. Symptoms of this type of Macular Degeneration are significant blurred vision, strait lines appearing wavy or distorted, difficulty reading or driving, or distortion of central vision. It is important to see an eye care specialist immediately if you have these symptoms, as timely treatment is critical to saving vision.

How is Macular Degeneration Treated?
New and exciting advances in medical treatment have made it possible to prevent some of the most severe vision loss in wet macular degeneration. The injectable drugs Avastin and Lucentis can arrest and in some cases reverse the vision loss fromWet Macular Degeneration. Laser treatments may also augment these treatments in some cases. It is critical to be evaluated and treated promptly for Wet Macular Degeneration as the damage done by leaking vessels may become permanent over time if untreated. Atlantic Eye Institute has the latest diagnostic and treatment technology on site, and has medical retina specialists available to our patients at all times.

Does Dry Macular Degeneration have any treatment?
There is currently no cure for Macular Degeneration. It is still important to monitor macular degeneration and it may be possible to slow its progression with lifestyle and nutritional supplements. Aside from regular dilated eye exams , home monitoring is accomplished by periodically checking an Amsler Grid for wavy lines and central distortions. Your doctor at Atlantic Eye Institute will be happy to provide you with this grid for home use. Vitamin supplementation has also been shown to reduce the chances of progression from Dry to Wet Macular Degeneration. Another important tool is UV protective eyewear to reduce the damaging effects of UV light on the retina. Finally, at Atlantic Eye Institute we strive to maximize your vision even if you do have vision loss from Macular Degeneration. A variety of vision aids, as well as treatment for other eye conditions will help to give you the best possible vision for your life.

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