Macular degeneration also known as ARMD, is the leading cause of vision loss among patients who are 65 and older. ARMD is degeneration of the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for the sharp, central vision needed to read, drive and recognize faces. The blurred vision is central and does not affect side vision, so it does not lead to complete blindness.

 

The disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of those risk factors are aging, hypertension, smoking, high fat diet, and obesity. In addition, macular degeneration occurs in Caucasians and females in particular. The main symptom is dim or fuzzy central vision. Objects may look warped, smaller, or larger than they really are. A blank or blind spot in the central visual field may also be present.

 

Macular degeneration is classified into two different types: wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration is more common and accounts for around 90 percent of the patients. It leads to less vision loss than the wet form of the disease. Wet macular degeneration usually leads to more serious vision loss and accounts for the other 10 percent of the patients.

 

Dry macular degeneration is a gradual process. As you age, the cells in the macula start to thin and break down, and waste deposits build up in the back of the eye. This eventually damages the nerve cells in the macula, causing vision loss.

 

Wet macular degeneration is a more advanced and damaging form of the eye disease, and can occur very rapidly. This form happens when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These blood vessels break easily, and leak blood and fluid under the macula. This leakage causes permanent damage to retinal cells in the macula, which die off and create blind spots in central vision. 

 

Macular degeneration is diagnosed by a doctor through a regular eye exam. The doctor will follow up the general exam with a battery of tests to achieve the exact diagnosis.

 

Presently, there is no cure for macular degeneration, but some treatments may delay its progression and even improve vision. In the dry form of the disease, research is showing that nutritional intervention may help prevent the progression to the wet form. Nutritional supplements high in antioxidants and minerals including omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and zeaxnthin have been shown to slow down the development of macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration treatments are aimed at stopping the abnormal blood vessel growth. These treatments include laser, photodynamic therapy, and drug therapy. The newest drug therapy has been shown to improve vision in a significant number of people.

 

For those who have vision loss from macular degeneration, there are many devices available to help with mobility and specific visual tasks. The only way to detect and treat macular degeneration at this time is regular eye examinations by a qualified specialist.