Macular Degeneration Progression

If left unchecked, macular degeneration can complete its progression from the early, dry stage to the wet, neovascular stage in which new blood vessels form and leak fluid into the eye.

Changes in Vision as Macular Degeneration Advances

Patients with dry macular degeneration, or those who exhibit small yellow deposits, called drusen, on the macula, are somewhat likely to suffer macular degeneration progression to the wet form of the condition, also called advanced macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration progresses to the much more dangerous wet form in approximately 10 percent of cases. As the disease progresses, patients may notice several changes in their vision.

Asymptomatic

Patients with the dry form of the disease may show no outward symptoms of macular degeneration. Deposits of drusen — formed from deteriorating tissue in the macula and other areas — can begin to accumulate in the eye without affecting a patient’s vision. A qualified specialist can recognize these early symptoms of dry macular degeneration and suggest steps that may slow or halt its progression.

Blurry or Distorted Central Vision

As more and more tissue deteriorates in the macula and the rest of the retina, the patient may begin to experience blurry or shadowy vision, though the vision loss is not nearly as severe in the dry stages of the disease as in the later, wet stages. Patients experiencing macular degeneration progression should seek medical attention immediately, as there is still a chance that vision loss may be slowed, stopped, or even reversed slightly.

Complete Loss of Central Vision

The last (and most severe) phase of macular degeneration progression is the wet stage. During this phase, the body attempts to compensate for the deterioration of the macula by growing new blood vessels in the area. These blood vessels, and the blood and fluid that can leak from them, cause irreparable damage to the macula and resulting in a permanent loss of central vision.

Prevention of Macular Degeneration Progression

While there is currently no way to stop macular degeneration progression, doctors are working on solutions for slowing its progress. Recent studies have shown that if a patient shows symptoms of dry macular degeneration and his or her drusen contains certain components, he or she is at the highest risk for macular degeneration progression. Now that these components have been identified, doctors are working to develop a method of blocking them and halting macular degeneration progression from the dry to wet stages. It has also recently been learned that patients who already show symptoms of macular degeneration and take antioxidant supplements with zinc, as well as vitamins A, C and E, show a dramatic decrease in macular degeneration progression. However, because high doses of supplements can be dangerous, do not begin or increase intake of antioxidants and zinc without first consulting your physician.

Talk to a Specialist in Your Area about Macular Degeneration

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration, especially if you believe that the progression of the disease has already reached a critical point, contact an eye care specialist in your area who can diagnose the problem. Even if you have not noticed any significant change in your eyesight but are over the age of 65 and have not had a recent eye exam, it is a good idea to have your eyes examined by someone familiar with macular degeneration and its progression.