Macular Degeneration
Age related Macular Degeneration is a progressive retinal disease that is divided into two categories: wet and dry. The dry form may involve the formation of calcifications on the retina, and the retinal cells may begin to decrease through a process called atrophy. The wet form involves new blood vessels growing under the retina; this leads to the swelling and scaring of the retinal tissues.
What causes Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration causes a persons vision to become gray or hazy, and possibly lead to vision loss in some areas. It is also the leading cause of poor vision in senior patients. The exact reason for the break down of the macula is unknown, but some medical studies show a relationship between high cholesterol, smoking, or genetics causing macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration will cause objects to appear less colorful, and objects will become blurry. This is because the retina is an important part of the vision process, and the decreased function of the central retina is a direct result of macular degeneration.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of macular degeneration include a decreased function of the central retina. The retina is important in the vision process, and once macular degeneration affects the retina patients will notice that objects do not appear as colorful as they once did. As macular degeneration progresses, the disease will cause more damage to the retina and objects will appear to be missing pieces, and lines that one were straight will suddenly be wavy or blurry.
Treatment Options
There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are certain treatments available to slow the process. These treatments include: photodynamic therapy (PTV). PTV is used to seal the leaky blood vessels in the retina. Most patients with macular degeneration only experience mild to moderate vision loss over time. If severe macular degeneration does occur, vision loss may be more serious. With PTV treatment, patients may gain some of their vision but once vision is lost as a result of macular degeneration, it is very difficult to restore.
If you are suffering from macular degeneration, please contact Dr. Goodman or schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam.
