MACULAR DEGENERATION

Macular Degeneration is a condition that affects the center part of your retina, the macula. Little deposits,

called drusen, build up under the light-sensing cells. This process affects the photoreceptor cell  function and causes central vision problems. This is an age related condition (hence the name age-related macular degeneration (AMD)) that is influenced by genetics. 

 

There are two main types of macular degeneration: dry AMD, which is more common and develops slowly, and wet AMD, which can cause rapid vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD.

 

DRY AMD

Is the more common form of macular degeneration, affecting approximately 85-90% of people with the condition. 

 

Symptoms:

• Gradual loss of central vision

• Blurriness or dimming in the center of the visual field

• Difficulty with tasks like reading or recognizing faces

• Need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work

 

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of macular degeneration. First, make sure you wear sunglasses outdoors especially in south Florida, eat a diet rich in dark leafy green vegetables, and quit smoking! Some patients may also benefit from vitamins (AREDS II).

Thankfully, the treatments for macular degeneration have been rapidly evolving and improving.