What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss. It affects over 10 million Americans, which is more than cataracts and glaucoma combined.
This condition is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. The retina’s central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye. It controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail.
At present, Macular Degeneration is considered an incurable eye disease, but there are treatment options available for patients to mitigate some of its effects. Contact the eye surgeons of Vision Surgery Consultants to learn more about combating this condition.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two main forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and understanding the difference matters for treatment:
Dry (Atrophic) Macular Degeneration
This is the most common type of macular degeneration among adults, accounting for the large majority of cases. It develops slowly as the macula thins with age and small deposits called drusen form beneath the retina. Vision loss with dry AMD is typically gradual over the course of a patient’s life.
Wet (Neovascular) macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is less common but more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and more severe central vision loss. Wet AMD requires prompt attention, so any sudden change in your vision should be evaluated right away.
