There are two types of Macular Degeneration, one is a dry form which is the most common and the other is a wet form. Although the wet form of Macular Degeneration is not as common it does require immediate medical attention to prevent loss of central vision.
Macular Degeneration is uncommon in individuals younger the 55. However anyone over the age of 65 needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms. There are more than 13 million Americans who show signs of the disorder and it is the number 1 cause of vision loss in the Uniterd States. Although most individuals do not become totally blind. Regular eye examinations can detect any progression of Macular Degeneration and a preventative plan can be initiated if necessary.
The macula is a very small portion of the retina about the size of a push pin. The macula is loaded with photoreceptors which enable you to read, watch TV, drive, etc – anything that requires focused, precise vision. The outer portion of the macula contains fewer photoreceptors, making image resolution much poorer. While this portion of the retina can continue to process images along the edge of your field of vision, the damaged tissue caused by Macular Degeneration obscures or alters part of the crisp central image that your eye transmits to your brain.
If you have the dry form of Macular Degeneration, small yellow deposits develop beneath the macula, indicating degeneration and thinning of nerve tissue.
The wet or neovascular form Macular Degeneration of occurs in a small number of cases. This occurs when abnormal blood vessel grow beneath the macula. Blurring and blank spots occur in your field of vision when vessels leak blood and fluid onto and underneath the retina, causing retinal cells to die.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
In the early stages, there may not be any symptoms and could be unrecognized until it has progressed or affects both eyes. One of the first signs of macular degeneration is more often than not distortion of straight lines. This may progress to a gradual loss of central vision.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include:
• Straight lines begin to appear distorted, or the center of vision becomes distorted.
• Dark, blurry areas or white out appear in the center of vision.
• Diminished or changed color perception.
If you encounter any of these symptoms, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
One should seek medical attention if you are older than 45 years of age for a complete eye examination and then follow-up with and examination every two to four years. People with macular degeneration should check their vision daily and notify their ophthalmologist promptly if there are any changes in their vision.
Diagnosing Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration can be detected in a routine eye examination. One of the most common early signs of macular degeneration is the presence of drusen – tiny yellow or white accumulations under the retina. Your ophthalmologist can see these when examining your eyes. You may also be asked to look at an Amsler grid – this is a pattern of straight lines that may appear wavy to you, or you may notice that some of the lines are missing. These may be signs of macular degeneration.
If you are diagnosed with macular degeneration, you may be scheduled for a procedure known as fluorescein angiography. For this procedure, fluorescein, a dye, is injected through a vein in your arm. Once the medicine is injected, photographs will be taken to show the movement of the dye as it travels through your vein and reaches the eye. Once it reaches the eye and passes the macula, the photographs will show their exact location and type of macular degeneration. It is very important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms stated above. Early detection can delay or reduce the severity of the disease.