DEFINITION

Macular degeneration is a disease of the macula, the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye which is responsible for fine detail vision such as the ability to read, write, work, recognition and identification. It records the images and sends them through the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. Its damage leads to loss of central vision without affecting peripheral and color vision.

TYPES

1. Wet (exudative) macular degeneration
   Only 10-15% cases occur of this type. This occurs when abnormal or leaking blood vessels (choroidal neovascularization) grow under the retina in the area of the macula. These blood vessels can leak fluid leading the macula to bulge causing distorted or blurred vision; and thus a rapid and severe loss of straight ahead vision.
2. Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration
   85-90% cases are of this type in which there is thinning or deterioration of the tissues of the macula due to the formation of small abnormal yellow deposits called drusen; leading to loss of functioning like limited vision. Progression of dry macular degeneration occurs very slowly and does not always affect both eyes equally.

CAUSES

• Heredity factors
• Age factor
• Prolonged exposure to sun
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Diabetes
• Head injury
• Infection

Macular degeneration leads to the decreased vision in people over 65 years of age. Women are at a higher risk than men; also Caucasians are at a higher risk than African Americans.

SYMPTOMS

• Early macular degeneration may cause little, if any noticeable change in vision
• Difficulty reading without extra light and magnification
• Objects appear distorted, blurred, or having abnormal shape, size or color
• Objects seem 'hopping' while straight-ahead vision 
• Difficulty in reading and driving
• Inability to see minute details
• Blind spot in center of vision

DIAGNOSIS

• Vision testing
• Amsler grid test
• Ophthalmoscopy
• Fundus photography
• Fluorescein angiography

TREATMENT

• Regular eye check-ups
• Attention to diet
• In-home monitoring of vision
• Nutritional supplements