Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is a medical condition that affects the eye, specifically the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans – more than cataracts and glaucoma combined.

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is the more common type, accounting for 85-90% of cases. It is characterized by the thinning of the macula, which leads to blurred or reduced central vision.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is less common but more severe. It is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina and macula, leading to the leakage of blood and fluid, which can cause permanent damage to the retina.

Symptoms

Symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• Blurred or reduced central vision
• Distorted vision
• Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
• A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
• A dark, blurry area in the center of vision

Risk Factors

Risk factors for macular degeneration include:

• Age
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Race (it is more common in Caucasians)
• Family history of the disease
• Cardiovascular disease

Treatment

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatments that can slow its progression or improve vision. These include:

• Anti-angiogenic drugs
• Laser therapy
• Photodynamic laser therapy
• Vitamins

See Also

• Retina
• Eye disease
• Vision loss
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

Macular Degeneration Resources
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