Adults 55 and older are most likely develop macular degeneration.
What distinguishes this eye disease from the others is that it affects the center of your vision – which is the area that allows you to see the fine details of objects in front of you, whether what you’re looking at is close by or far away.
There is no or cure for macular degeneration, so once the damage is done, it is irreversible. However, there are ways to prevent the condition from worsening.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a problem that affects a specific part of your retina. Your retina is pivotal to your ability to see, as it is the destination for light entering the eyes. The retina, in turn, converts light patterns into electric signals that are sent to the brain, which turns those signals into the images you see.
At the center of the retina is the macula. Most of your vision – especially the clear, sharp vision needed to see things details of things right in front of you – relies on the health and proper functioning of your macula.
Two Types of Macular Degeneration & Causes
There are two types of macular degeneration:
- Dry Macular Degeneration. By far the more common (90%) type, dry macular degeneration occurs gradually, over time, and tends to affect one eye at a time. The slow breakdown of the macula is believed to occur due to age-related damage to the membrane supporting the retina.
- Wet Macular Degeneration. Less common (10%) but more severe, wet macular degeneration involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina. This causes fluid and blood to leak into the macula.
Risk factors for macular degeneration include a family history of the disease, age, high blood pressure, and smoking.
Diagnosing Macular Degeneration
Diagnosing macular degeneration involves tests and screenings conducted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. These include a dilated eye exam, which allows a magnified inspection of the retina and macula. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be used to see the retina in even greater detail. Your eye doctor may also use visual tests, such as the Amsler grid, to identify potential problems in your line of vision.
Treatments for Macular Degeneration
There is currently no treatment for dry macular degeneration. However, there are methods to work around the central vision lost to the condition. This includes low-vision aids, such as magnifiers, screen readers, and more.
For patients with wet macular degeneration, injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications can reduce the growth of leaky blood vessels under the retina and stabilize vision. In addition, special laser treatments may also help those with wet macular degeneration.
Testing & Treatment for Macular Degeneration in Miramar, FL
When you experience changes in your vision, you already know to contact an eye doctor. This is especially true if you are beginning to have difficulty seeing things clearly when they are directly in front of you. This may indicate macular degeneration. For comprehensive testing and eye care, contact the eye doctors at Miramar Eye Institute by calling CALL TODAY: (954) 437-4316. You can also submit your request for an appointment now.