The back of the eye is lined with a layer of cells called the retina.  The retina is responsible for changing the light that enters our eye into an electrical signal that then goes to the brain where it is processed into vision.  Within the retina is a small area of cells that are extremely sensitive.  This area of the retina, called the macula, is responsible for our finest, central vision.   

The macula can deteriorate as part of the body's natural aging process.  This deterioration affects a person's fine, or central, vision; peripheral vision remains unaffected.  A person with macular degeneration, then, can see the outline of a clock but cannot tell what time it is.  Because macular degeneration does not result in total blindness, such patients can usually remain self-sufficient. 

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two common types of macular degeneration: "dry" and "wet."  In dry macular degeneration, which affects 90 percent of those who have macular degeneration, the deterioration of the macula leads to thinning of the macular tissue.  This thinning in turn leads to progressive loss of vision.  The progression of dry macular degeneration tends to be slow.  Unfortunately, no treatment is available for this type of degeneration. 

Wet, or exudative, macular degeneration accounts for about 10% of all cases of the condition.  The wet form occurs when abnormal blood vessels form in the deteriorating macula.  These abnormal vessels leak fluid or blood and cause a dramatic loss of central vision.  If the wet form is caught early enough, laser treatment can sometimes halt these vessels' bleeding. 

What Causes Macular Degeneration? 

The cause of macular degeneration is unknown.  It occurs as part of the aging process in some people, although sometimes a "juvenile" form of the condition develops in young patients.  Macular degeneration can run in families and has been linked to smoking.  It tends to be more common in women, fair-skinned people, and in people with light-colored eyes.  The absence of these risk factors, however, does not rule out the possibility of macular degeneration.
  
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration? 

The symptoms of macular degeneration vary.  In its early stages, degeneration may be hardly noticeable.  Sometimes the condition affects only one eye, but when both eyes are affected, the symptoms are noticed as a disturbance in central or fine vision.  Words on a page may become blurred, straight lines, the vertical edges of door frames may become crooked, and dark or empty areas may appear in the center of one's vision. 
   
How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed? 

A complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist is needed to diagnose macular degeneration.  Simple, in-office tests while the pupils are dilated will allow your doctor to determine whether you suffer from macular degeneration. 
   
How Is Macular Degeneration Treated? 

Despite ongoing medical research, there is no treatment or cure for the dry form of macular degeneration.  Some doctors believe that nutritional supplements may slow the deterioration, but this theory has not been proven.  Treatment now focuses on helping people find ways to cope with visual impairment.

The wet form of degeneration can be treated with lasers if caught early.  Laser treatment will not bring the vision back to normal, but can prevent the total loss of central vision. 

Despite advanced medical treatment, people with macular degeneration still experience vision loss.  The doctors at Thomas Eye Group can help select optical and non-optical devices to aid in daily activities.  While the vision loss cannot be reversed, we strive to help people maintain their quality of life. 

To schedule an appointment with one of our eye specialists, please  call us, or use our online appointment request form.

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