What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States.
It is a progressive disease that affects the macula, the center part of the retina (the back of the eye).
The light-sensitive retinal tissue controls how you see images: as images focus on the retina they are converted into electrical impulses that travel to the brain via the optic nerve. If there is damage or deterioration of the macula, your central vision will be disrupted.
Central vision is vital to perform common daily tasks such as reading, driving, recognizing faces and seeing fine details.
Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the natural aging process. There are different kinds of macular problems, but the most common is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This disease is most common in people over 60, but can appear as early as age 40. If you are over age 60, routine eye exams can diagnose early signs of this degenerative eye disease.
Macular Degeneration Symptoms
Macular degeneration affects central vision, but not typically peripheral vision. In the early stages you may not have any outward symptoms. As the disease progresses you may experience:
- Blurriness
- Dark areas
- Distortion (typically straight lines or objects appearing wavy or crooked)
- Permanent loss of central vision
Central Vision
Macular degeneration affects central vision.
Peripheral Vision
Peripheral vision is not typically affected.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry Macular Degeneration: accounts for 90% of all cases and progresses slowly. It is caused by the build-up of yellow drusen deposits under the macula that causes the macula to thin and dry out.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet Macular Degeneration: this is a more serious form that causes severe, rapid vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. If they leak blood or fluid, this will cause the macula to become distorted.
Macular Degeneration Risk Factors
Scientists do not know the exact cause of macular degeneration or why some people develop this disease. Heredity, malnutrition, race, smoking, and UV light exposure may play a role in increasing your risk for macular degeneration. It makes sense to follow a healthy lifestyle to help protect your vision:
Healthy Vision Habits
- Wear UV protection sunglasses when outdoors
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stop smoking
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but here are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease:
- Laser photocoagulation to seal leaking blood vessels with a laser
- Laser therapy to destroy abnormal blood vessels
- AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) vitamin supplements
- Photodynamic therapy, the combination of the drug verteporfin and a cool laser is used to stop the leak and prevent future leaks
- Anti-angiogenic medication injections to stop new blood vessels from forming or halt leaking of new blood vessels
- Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections to reduce the risk of abnormal blood vessel growth
Macular degeneration is estimated to affect over 11 million Americans. If you are one of those individuals, you are not alone. If you are experiencing any central vision problems, don’t wait until your vision is permanently lost. Idaho Eye and Laser Center in Southeast Idaho can perform a comprehensive dilated eye exam to help diagnose macular degeneration and recommend treatment options.
Geographic Atrophy (GA)
Geographic Atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that causes progressive loss of central vision, often creating a dark or blank spot in the center of sight. The condition develops when deposits called drusen damage and destroy photoreceptor cells in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As these cells are lost, central vision gradually declines while peripheral vision is typically preserved.
Although GA cannot be reversed, regular monitoring can help track disease progression and preserve vision for as long as possible. Idaho Eye and Laser Center uses advanced retinal imaging technologies, including autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography (OCT), to evaluate retinal health and monitor changes over time.
Geographic Atrophy: Symptoms and Risk Factors
Common Symptoms of GA
- Dark or blank spot in central vision
- Difficulty reading, especially in dim light
- Slower reading speed
- Increased glare sensitivity
- Preserved peripheral (side) vision
Risk Factors of GA
- Age (most common in people in their 70s and 80s)
- Smoking history
- High blood pressure
- Light-colored eyes
- Family history of AMD
If you notice changes in your central vision, schedule an appointment to determine the cause and discuss your treatment options.