Macular Degeneration – Frequently Asked Questions

While most people fear the onset of progressive vision loss, few understand how it can happen. Macular degeneration is a common eye disease that affects more Americans over 55 years of age than glaucoma and cataracts combined. This age-related condition slowly degrades central vision that allows you to see detailed objects directly in front of you. Loss of central vision often makes daily activities like reading and driving difficult. Though there is no known cure, the most crucial step toward effective macular degeneration treatment is understanding the definition of macular degeneration, its symptoms (such as macular drusen), and the ways in which it can be treated.

What is the definition of macular degeneration?

The first step toward preventing or treating any condition is understanding the definition of the ailment. 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.

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.

What are drusen?

Apart from decreased central vision, one of the most telling symptoms of macular degeneration is the appearance of drusen in the eye. Drusen are small yellow or off-white deposits that form either in the tissue layer underneath the retina or on the optic nerve head. Though the exact cause of macular drusen is still unknown, their appearance near the macula is one of the most common signs of macular degeneration development; drusen that develop away from the macula are typically considered safe and are not indicative of future vision impairment.

While the presence of drusen near the macula doesn’t necessarily indicate macular degeneration, it does mean that the eye may be at risk. Drusen can even be present in the eye for years without impairing vision at all. Your ophthalmologist will be able to spot the presence of macular drusen and assess its significance during a regular eye examination.

What is the difference between "wet" and "dry" macular degeneration?

Because macular generation is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65, it is commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration, or ARMD. ARMD often causes dark or blind spots in the central area of vision and eventually leads to severe vision loss. Not every case is the same; in fact, there are two main types of macular degeneration.

Dry macular degeneration, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of ARMD cases, slowly deteriorates central vision over a long period of time. Drusen that appear during the gradual development of dry ARMD may have no effect on a patient's vision, making awareness of dry ARMD’s earliest phases difficult. Vision impairment due to dry ARMD can often be stable for years before progressing any further.

Wet age-related macular degeneration, the less common variety of ARMD, tends to develop quickly and suddenly, causing rapid vision loss. Wet ARMD causes new blood vessels to form under the retina. Since these new vessels are delicate, they soon begin to leak blood and fluid, distorting the macula and compromising sharp central vision.

Who is at risk for macular degeneration?

A variety of factors influence the risk of developing macular degeneration, including:

• Age – 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 – Females are more at risk then males.
• Genetic history – Having family members who have suffered from ARMD increases the risk of developing macular degeneration.
• Smoking – Smokers are at greater risk of developing ARMD than non-smokers.
• 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.

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

Macular degeneration is best diagnosed during a thorough eye examination that includes pupil dilation, which allows the ophthalmologist to clearly see the entire retina, including the macula. During this examination, your doctor will look for macular drusen and other symptoms of ARMD. You may also undergo an assessment called an Amsler grid test, which can alert your eye care specialist to subtle changes in your vision. It is recommended that you visit your ophthalmologist regularly for eye exams, as this is the best way to ensure early detection, accurate diagnosis, and the most effective treatment of macular degeneration.

Does macular degeneration lead to blindness?

Macular degeneration damages only the macula, affecting center vision and leaving peripheral (side) vision mostly unaffected. Because degeneration is limited to the macula, macular degeneration alone does not result in complete blindness. Even people with the advanced form of age-related macular degeneration are not at great risk of becoming totally blind.

Can macular degeneration be prevented?

While there is no proven way to prevent macular degeneration, mounting evidence suggests that a diet high in antioxidants can reduce the risk of developing ARMD. Fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin such as spinach, collard greens, broccoli, papaya, oranges, and kale seem to be most effective in preventing ARMD. In addition, foods such as corn, orange peppers, kiwi, and red grapes may help to slow the progression of macular degeneration.

Healthy habits like getting your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist and not smoking can also help prevent ARMD.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Though dry age-related macular degeneration is the less severe type of ARMD, it currently has no known treatments or cure. There are, however, treatments for wet ARMD, including macular degeneration surgery and medication. Laser surgery seals newly developed blood vessels to lessen the chance that the vessels will distort the macula.

Locate a Macular Degeneration Specialist in Your Area

If you have questions or concerns regarding macular degeneration, it is important to speak to an ophthalmologist you can trust. Whether you need more information about the definition of macular degeneration or would like to have your eyes tested for the existence of macular drusen, a qualified ophthalmologist can help alleviate uncertainty. Locate a macular degeneration specialist in your area through DocShop today.