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What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of poor vision after age 60. The macula is a small area at the center of the retina in the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading and driving. 

Symptoms

• Loss of central vision, the vision necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and seeing details
• Wavy lines, distortions in central vision

Risk factors

• Age >60 (for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD))
• Family history
• High degree of nearsightedness (for Myopic macular degeneration)
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Smoking

Types of macular degeneration

"Dry", or nonexudative, type - Affects 9 out of 10 AMD patients. Gradual thinning and loss of nerve tissues of the macula, causing progressive loss of vision. A specific vitamin regimen has been shown to slow progression of dry AMD.

"Wet", or exudative, type - Affects 1 out of 10 AMD patients. Less common but causes more rapid vision loss. In this type, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood and creating distortion or a large blind spot in the center of your vision.

Treatments

Effective treatments are now available to regain or stabilize vision loss. Depending on your individual condition, our Retina specialist will use the latest and most appropriate treatment protocol, which may include:

• Injection of anti-VEGF medications (AVASTIN, LUCENTIS, EYLEA)
• Laser treatments
• Omega-3, anti-oxidant vitamin supplements