Macular Degeneration

The leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans over the age of 65 is a disease called macular degeneration. The symptoms of the disease appear slowly and painlessly, but can be devastating to vision if left unchecked. There is currently no known cure for macular degeneration, though there are a myriad of treatment options available to prevent its slow progression, and even improve vision once the disease takes hold.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is defined as a disease that gradually destroys the central area of the retina, known as the macula. The macula transforms light waves from directly in front of the eye into nerve signals that the brain processes into discernable images. When the macula becomes damaged, crisp central vision is compromised. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), slowly destroys central vision and, if left untreated, can seriously impair vision. Because macular degeneration affects only straight-ahead vision, it cannot lead to total blindness. It can, however, severely impair the ability of sufferers to easily perform normal activities such as reading and driving.

Causes of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a common eye disease in individuals over the age of 60. The causes of macular degeneration are unknown; however, environmental factors and genetics may contribute to this disease. The causes of macular degeneration have been associated with several risk factors, including:

• Age: People over the age of 50 are at a greater risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While macular degeneration can develop in middle-aged people, chances of developing ARMD rise drastically with advanced age. In fact, age is the most telling risk factor for developing macular degeneration. 
• Gender: Women are at a greater risk of developing macular degeneration.
• Race: Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD than African- Americans
• Smoking: Smokers are at greater risk of developing ARMD than non-smokers.
• Genetic history: Having family members who have suffered from ARMD increases the risk of developing macular degeneration.
  
• Cholesterol levels: Higher-than-normal levels of cholesterol may be correlated to a higher risk of developing the wet type of age-related macular degeneration.

The causes of the wet form of macular degeneration include aging, but severe nearsightedness and intraocular infections are also risk factors for this type of the disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Patients with macular degeneration most often experience shadowy or blurred vision, eventually leading to a blind spot in their central vision. Another characteristic of the disease is vision impairment that causes straight lines to appear crooked. Macular degeneration symptoms vary based on the severity of the disease and individual factors. Macular degeneration can be diagnosed in its earliest stage during an examination by an eye care professional. Learn more about macular degeneration symptoms and diagnosis.

Progression and Types

Macular degeneration begins in the dry form, as the eye tissue begins to deteriorate and decay. As the name suggests, the disease advances as the tissue degenerates, progressively decaying over time. The wet, or neovascular, form of macular degeneration occurs when the body responds to this decay and attempts to replenish lost nourishment in the eye by creating new blood vessels. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid, causing permanent damage to light-sensitive retinal cells, creating blind spots. Approximately ten percent of dry AMD cases progress to the wet form. Read more about the macular degeneration progression.

Treatment and Recovery

Macular degeneration treatment options vary greatly, with just as much variety in the type of recovery period one can expect following the procedure. Most treatments available now revolve around changes in diet and nutrition combined with drug therapy, making the recovery relatively simple. Some cases call for laser surgery, which is performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time. Learn more about macular degeneration treatment and recovery.

Find a Doctor

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