What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration describes a wide variety of serious eye conditions which affect the central vision. The macula is an area of highly concentrated light-absorbing (photo receptor) nerve cells in the retina. In various forms the macula deteriorates causing blurring and distortion of central vision.
Early detection of vision changes such as blurring, difficulty in reading, and/or distortion of straight lines is important. The progress of macular degeneration is slow and irreversible, so one should have regular eye checkups after the age of 50.
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| Normal Vision | Vision Affected by Macular Degeneration |
What Causes Macular Degeneration?
- Deposit of various materials in and around the macula,
- growth of new, tiny blood vessels under the macula,
- hemorrhages through leakage of new vessels,
- detachment of the retina,
- formation of holes in the retina, and/or
- formation of various types of membranes.
“Wet” and “Dry” Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of legal blindness in people over 60. There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration: Atrophic ("dry") and Disciform ("wet"). Both forms affect the central vision, but only the “wet” type can be slowed by laser treatment.
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| Wet” Macular Degeneration. |
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"Dry" Macular Degeneration |
Treatment of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration can be inherited and no treatment is available for most forms. However, macular degeneration-induced total blindness is rare, and with good peripheral vision, most patients lead independent lives with the help of low vision aids.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment and new microsurgical techniques may be of use in some cases of the "wet" form of macular degeneration.
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Visudyne™ Photodynamic Therapy
In photodynamic therapy, a light-activated drug (Visudyne™) is injected into a patient’s bloodstream. Once the drug reaches the retina, it is activated by a non-thermal laser (A laser that does not burn). This produces a blood clot that closes abnormal vessels without causing damage to the retina. Abnormal blood vessels may return. However, Visudyne™ therapy can be reapplied at 3 month intervals.
