Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina, usually associated with aging. Damage to the most sensitive part of the retina, the macula, causes loss of vision in the central area of the field of vision. It does not cause total blindness, as the peripheral vision is usually uninvolved allowing vision for walking and personal care.
Early symptoms might be blurring of words on a page, a dark or empty space in the center of one’s vision, or distortion or bending of straight lines. It may begin in one eye only, but frequently both eyes become involved.
The most common forms of the disorder are “dry” (atrophic) and “wet” (exudative) degeneraton. The dry form is most common and results from aging and thinning of the retina, usually progressing slowly. There is not a cure for this, currently. The wet type represents about 10% of cases and results from leakage from abnormal vessels beneath the retina. It may appear suddenly and progresses rapidly. If detected early in its course, this type may respond to treatment with laser therapy to prevent or minimize progression. Recent clinical studies suggest that certain vitamin and mineral supplements may decrease the risk of progression. GTOC physicians can provide information for individual circumstances. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt diagnosis of this disorder are important.
To learn more about macular degeneration and low vision, please visit the following websites:
www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp
