Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a progressive condition that affects the most central part of the vision called the macula. There are two types – dry and wet macular degeneration.
Dry is the more common form and involves progressive destruction of the macula with no bleeding.
Wet is less common but generally more visually devastating – it involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels which leak blood. This form requires injections in the eye to stop and prevent further leakage and disruption of vision. It is important to note that dry macular degeneration may become wet over time and thus frequent imaging and check-ups are crucial.
At this point there is no cure for macular degeneration, and there is no way of reversing vision loss that has already occurred – therefore it is critical to continue seeing your eye doctor as directed to detect and prevent the rate of further damage.
Risk factors
Older age, genetics and family history, sun exposure, smoking, White background
Symptoms
Blurry vision, visual distortions including wavy lines or missing parts, haziness
Your eye doctor will provide you with a grid of horizontal and vertical lines. You should perform daily or weekly checks, one eye at a time, to see if you notice any changes in the appearance of this grid. If any changes are noted, please make an appointment right away for evaluation.
Instructions: cover one eye. Look directly at the center dot. All lines should be going straight up and down and side to side. Notice if any lines appear distorted/wavy, or if any part of the grid is missing.
Treatment
Avoiding smoking, proper UV protection, and a healthy diet of dark green vegetables are all important in preventing/reducing progression of the disease. Depending on the stage of the disease, your eye doctor may also prescribe special vitamins to take to help reduce the progression of the disease.
Currently there is no cure for macular degeneration; there is only treatment. Treatment is for the wet form; there is currently no treatment for dry although there are many clinical trials underway and we are hopeful for the advancement of treatment.
Treatment involves injections into the eye to reduce formation of the abnormal blood vessels and leakage of blood into the retina. Injections are usually once every 4 weeks until evidence that leakage and/or growth of new vessels has stopped, at which point your doctor may extend time between treatment or stop treatment all together.
Your eye doctor may also refer you for low vision services. These involve different devices, such as telescopes or magnifiers, and training, to help assist you to use your vision to its fullest potential.
