Macular degeneration is an eye disorder in which the central part of the retina, the macula, degenerates. This degeneration causes a loss of sharp vision. The disorder is painless, but gradually progressive.
Characteristics of Macular Degeneration
Gradual loss of central vision
Dim/blurred/distorted vision
Blank spots in vision
Difficulty perceiving colors
Reading and driving become difficult
Often age-related (with onset frequently occurring after 55 years of age)
Degeneration is irreversible
Types of Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration: Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of macular degeneration. Yellow deposits grow or gather in the macula, dimming or distorting vision. Eventually, this can lead to tissue death/thinning resulting in blind spots, and central vision loss in extreme cases.
Wet macular degeneration: Wet macular degeneration may be the initial form of macular degeneration, or dry macular degeneration can develop into wet macular degeneration, where more severe vision loss occurs. Abnormal blood vessels growing beneath the macula leak blood and fluid, killing retinal cells and causing blank spots or blurred vision and resulting in central vision loss in extreme cases.
Treatment
Degeneration is irreversible, but the progression of the disorder can be slowed.
Vision aids, lenses or electronics may help people make use of their limited vision.
Vitamins, such as beta carotene, zinc and vitamins C and E, may help prevent vision loss.
In wet macular degeneration, laser therapy may keep vision from worsening by destroying or damaging the abnormal blood vessels and preventing them from leaking.
Surgeries and drug treatments are still in experimental stages.