Macular Degeneration: What You Need To Know

3 minute read

By Hailey D.

Unravel the mysteries of macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. Discover treatments and strategies to preserve your sight. Empower yourself with knowledge to make informed decisions about your eye health.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50 in developed countries. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula deteriorates, causing a gradual loss of central vision while peripheral vision remains intact.

There are two primary types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration, also known as atrophic macular degeneration, is the most common form and accounts for approximately 90% of cases. It is characterized by the thinning of the macula and the accumulation of yellow deposits called drusen. In contrast, wet macular degeneration, also known as exudative macular degeneration, is less common but more severe. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking fluid and blood, leading to rapid vision loss.1

Age is the primary risk factor for macular degeneration, but other factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and genetics also contribute to its development. Early detection and regular monitoring are crucial for managing macular degeneration, as treatment options are most effective in the early stages of the disease.

How Does Macular Degeneration Affect Vision?

Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, which is essential for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience blurred or distorted vision, difficulty perceiving fine details, and a dark or empty spot in the center of their visual field. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and reduce the quality of life.

In dry macular degeneration, the loss of vision is gradual and may go unnoticed in the early stages. However, as the condition advances, central vision becomes increasingly impaired, making it challenging to perform tasks that require detailed vision. In wet macular degeneration, the vision loss can be sudden and severe, leading to a rapid decline in central vision.

While macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, it can significantly impair an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks and may lead to legal blindness, defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better-seeing eye with the best possible correction.

What Are The Treatment Options For Macular Degeneration?

Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration, but several treatment options can help slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision. The specific treatment approach depends on the type and stage of macular degeneration.

For dry macular degeneration, treatments focus on slowing the progression of the disease and may include lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing underlying medical conditions. Nutritional supplements containing antioxidants and minerals, such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formula, have also been shown to be beneficial in slowing the progression of dry macular degeneration.2

In wet macular degeneration, the primary treatment involves anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Anti-VEGF medications are injected directly into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce leakage. These injections are typically administered on a monthly or bimonthly basis and have been effective in stabilizing vision and preventing further vision loss in many individuals with wet macular degeneration.

Learn More About Macular Degeneration

For individuals seeking additional information and resources on macular degeneration, several reputable sources provide comprehensive and up-to-date information. The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offers a wealth of information on macular degeneration, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) is another valuable resource that provides support, education, and research updates on macular degeneration.

Hailey D.

Contributor