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Top: Retina photograph of
Wet Macular Degeneration.
Bottom: Retina photograph of Dry Macular Degeneration.
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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 fine or detail vision
for distance and near 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 ambulation 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.
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