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Free Laser Vision Screening
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Macular degeneration is deterioration or breakdown of the macula of the eye. The macula is a small area at the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly. When the macula doesn't function correctly, we experience blurriness or darkness in the center of our vision. This is necessary to do tasks like threading a needle or reading. Although macular degeneration reduces vision in the central part of the retina, it usually does not affect the eye's side, or peripheral, vision. For example, you could see the outline of a face but not be able to tell who it is. Macular degeneration alone does not result in total blindness. People continue to have some useful vision and are able to take care of themselves. What causes macular degeneration?Many older people develop Macular degeneration as part of the body's natural aging process. "Dry" macular degenerationThe most common form is "dry" macular degeneration. It is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. Vision loss is usually gradual. "Wet" macular degeneration"Wet" macular degeneration accounts for approximately 10% of all cases. It results when abnormal blood vessels form at the back of the eye in response to a deteriorating retina. These new blood vessels leak fluid or blood and blur central vision. Vision loss may be rapid and severe. What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?Macular degeneration causes different symptoms in different people. In its early forms,
the ondition may be hardly noticeable. Sometimes, only one eye loses is affected while the
other eye will see well for many years. Some common sympotoms of macular degeneration are:
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?Many people do not realize that they have a macular problem until blurred vision becomes obvious. Your ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) can detect early stages of macular degeneration during a medical eye examination that includes the following:
How is macular degeneration treated?Despite ongoing medical research, there is no cure yet for "dry" macular degeneration. Some doctors believe that nutritional supplements may slow macular degeneration, although this has not yet been proven. Additionally, the cessation of smoking can slow the progresion of macular degeneration. Treatment of this condition focuses on helping a person find ways to cope with visual impairment. In its early stages "wet" macular degeneration can be treated with laser surgery, a brief and usually painless outpatient procedure. Laser surgery uses a highly focused beam of light to prevent the leaking blood vessels from spilling the fluid that damages the macula. Although a small, permanently dark "blind spot" is left at the point of laser treatment, the procedure can preserve more sight overall. Despite advanced medical treatment, people with macular degeneration still experience some vision loss. Your ophthalmologist can prescribe optical devices, or refer you to a low-vision specialist or center. Because side vision is usually not affected, a person's remaining sight can be very useful. Often, people can continue with many of their favorite activities by using low-vision optical devices such as specialized telescopes, closed-circuit enlarging television, large-print reading materials, and talking or computerized devices. |
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