Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in older people. As you age build up in the center of your retina can cause vision loss in the best part of your vision.
Symptoms:
- Blurry Vision
- Change in Color Perception like Yellowing
- Wavy Vision
- Blind Spots
- Loss of Central Vision
Types and Causes
Dry Form – The Dry form of macular degeneration is caused by genetic waste deposits building up in the macula. This causes vision loss at the center part of your vision. This form may start with challenges in reading and loss of their central vision.
Wet Form – The wet form of macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels at the macula. This leak of fluid into the retina causes vision distortion and loss of central vision.
Macular degeneration can be genetic and hereditary. The main cause of macular degeneration is age but can also be affected by smoking and high blood pressure.
Treatment
Macular degeneration can be detected in full eye exams during dilation. It is monitored with retinal photos and using an Amsler grid regularly by the patient. Currently there is no cure for macular degeneration. Early detection of age-related macular degeneration is important because treatment can slow down and recue the severity of the disease.
Vitamins – Eye Vitamins have been shown to decrease the risk of vision loss of some patients. Vitamins are typically used to treat early detection of Dry Macular Degeneration. Zeaxanthin, Omega 3 and vitimens C, E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper are all said to help reduce vision loss. Eye vitamins like Lutein and Ocuvite are recommended treatment options.
Surgery and Laser Therapy – Wet Macular Degeneration is typically treated with surgery and laser therapy. This can include laser therapy to treat abnormal blood vessels, surgery to remove abnormal blood vessels and retinal translocation.
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