Artist rendition of severe central vision loss in macular degeneration.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to changes or breakdown of the macula, a very small area of the retina in the back of the eye. The macula is responsible
for central vision.
Are there different kinds of macular degeneration?
The most common type of macular degeneration is the dry, or nonexudative, type. This type is characterized by thinning of the macula and deposits called drusen. Drusen alone do not usually cause vision loss, but large or numerous drusen indicate a higher risk of developing wet, or exudative, macular
degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. The blood vessels may bleed or leak fluid, causing subtle to dramatic loss of vision.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration may not cause any symptoms initially. When it does, it can cause blurry vision, distortion of straight lines, or blind spots in the
central vision. Sometimes, a sudden loss of central vision can occur.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a complete eye exam, including:
- Visual acuity testing, or clearness on the eye chart
- Slit lamp examination
- Dilated fundus examination: This allows your doctor to examine the macula, looking for thinning, deposits, or abnormal blood vessels.
Sometimes, additional tests may be recommended based on your exam findings.
How can I detect changes in my vision due to macular degeneration?
Your doctor may ask you to use an Amsler grid daily, checking for distortion in the lines, blurry spots, or blind spots.
Report any changes to your eye doctor immediately.
How is macular degeneration treated?
If you fit certain criteria, your doctor may recommend a set of vitamins that have been shown to help preserve vision in certain people with macular
degeneration.
If you have or develop wet macular degeneration, you may benefit from a laser treatment or an injection of a chemical called an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).
Patients with macular degeneration may benefit from a low vision consultation by a low vision specialist during which special glasses or devices may be recommended to optimize the vision.
for central vision.
Are there different kinds of macular degeneration?
The most common type of macular degeneration is the dry, or nonexudative, type. This type is characterized by thinning of the macula and deposits called drusen. Drusen alone do not usually cause vision loss, but large or numerous drusen indicate a higher risk of developing wet, or exudative, macular
degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. The blood vessels may bleed or leak fluid, causing subtle to dramatic loss of vision.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration may not cause any symptoms initially. When it does, it can cause blurry vision, distortion of straight lines, or blind spots in the
central vision. Sometimes, a sudden loss of central vision can occur.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a complete eye exam, including:
- Visual acuity testing, or clearness on the eye chart
- Slit lamp examination
- Dilated fundus examination: This allows your doctor to examine the macula, looking for thinning, deposits, or abnormal blood vessels.
Sometimes, additional tests may be recommended based on your exam findings.
How can I detect changes in my vision due to macular degeneration?
Your doctor may ask you to use an Amsler grid daily, checking for distortion in the lines, blurry spots, or blind spots.
Report any changes to your eye doctor immediately.
How is macular degeneration treated?
If you fit certain criteria, your doctor may recommend a set of vitamins that have been shown to help preserve vision in certain people with macular
degeneration.
If you have or develop wet macular degeneration, you may benefit from a laser treatment or an injection of a chemical called an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).
Patients with macular degeneration may benefit from a low vision consultation by a low vision specialist during which special glasses or devices may be recommended to optimize the vision.
