macular degeneration

As explained in the last installment of our blog regarding this topic, macular degeneration is an eye condition affecting the macula that causes central vision loss. Additionally, age-related macular degeneration is the most common form of macular degeneration and it comes in two forms: wet and dry.

85-90% of people afflicted with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) suffer from the dry form. Dry macular degeneration results in the deterioration of layers in the retina due to the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula. These cells are responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, and when they break down it results in a blurring of an individual’s central vision. Symptoms of this form of macular degeneration usually develop gradually and without pain. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Multiple small, round, yellow-white spots in the back of the eye (can be detected through use of an ophthalmoscope)
• Visual distortion
• Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Difficulty adapting to low light levels
• Blurriness of printed word
• Visual distortions
• Decreased intensity of colors

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that is caused by deterioration of the retina (the interior layer of the eye). Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is the part of the retina that gives us clear, detailed vision. With macular degeneration, an individual loses their central vision and cannot see fine details, but their peripheral vision remains unimpaired (imagine looking at someone and having a blurry, black dot where their face should be but still being able to see the outline of their figure).Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common type of macular degeneration and is also the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 55. There are two types of AMD: the wet form and the dry form.

Wet macular degeneration is the most advanced form of AMD and, though it only afflicts 10-15% of individuals with macular degeneration, it causes 90% of the severe vision loss caused by this condition. Wet macular degeneration is generally caused by abnormal blood vessels that grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood into the macula. The symptoms of wet macular degeneration usually appear suddenly and advance quickly. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
• Visual distortion
• Hazy vision
• A blurry or blind-spot in your field of vision
• Decreased ability to view colors
• Impaired ability to see detail
• Rapid onset and development of symptoms