Both types of macular degeneration may be caused by a number of contributing factors such as age, genetics, poor nutrition, smoking and exposure of the eye to the sun.
Symptoms
Loss of central vision is the most common symptom of macular degeneration. Patients with the “dry” form will experience a gradual loss. Those with the “wet” type may experience a sudden loss of central vision.
Patients may have trouble reading or accomplishing tasks that require seeing detail when there’s been no previous history of these problems. Other symptoms include distorted vision or feeling that they are seeing straight or wavy lines that don’t disappear.
Detection
Eye care professionals are usually the people who detect and diagnose age-related macular degeneration. If they suspect a patient has the disease, they can confirm it by an Amsler grid test, fundus photography and other vision testing.
Treatment
There is no proven treatment for “dry” macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration can, in some cases, be helped with laser treatment that seals bleeding or leaking blood vessels. Laser treatment can’t correct loss of vision, but may help to prevent further loss. Talk to your ophthalmologist to find out if laser treatment is right for you.
Recent treatment with photodynamic laser therapy has stopped abnormal blood vessel growth in some patients suffering from wet macular degeneration. Be sure to visit your optometrist annually once you turn 50. If macular degeneration is detected in the early stages treatment may be successful. Patients who are diagnosed with the disease should monitor their condition at home by using an Amsler grid.
Nutrition
Studies have proven a strong link between nutrition and macular degeneration. Patients with diets high in fruits and vegetables, especially lettuce and greens have less chance of developing the disease. Studies are now being conducted to determine if vitamins and supplements can stop progression of macular degeneration.