Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60. It occurs when the central part of the retina, called the macula, deteriorates. This condition rarely causes complete blindness. However, it can cause significant vision loss.
The Two Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration.
Dry: Between 85 and 90 percent of patients with macular degeneration have this type of the disease. This type presents with yellowish deposits, called drusen, forming on the macula. This can cause your vision to become dimmed and distorted.
Wet: This type occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow from the choroid, located under the macula. As the blood vessels leak fluid into the retina, it causes the vision to become distorted.
Who Is At Risk?
The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown. However, there are certain factors that put you at greater risk. These include:
Smoking
Being overweight or obese, particularly when carrying the extra weight around the abdomen.
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure
Long-term exposure to the sun without protection
Family history
Having light colored eyes
Farsightedness
Age
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are treatments available that can slow the progression of the disease.
Medication: Your optometrist can inject medication into your eye that will stop the formation of new blood vessels.
Laser therapy: During this treatment, a high-energy laser light is used that can destroy abnormal blood vessels that are actively growing.
Photodynamic laser therapy: During this procedure, your optometrist will inject medication into your bloodstream and is absorbed in the abnormally growing blood vessels in your eyes. When a laser is shined into the eye, it will activate the drug, which will damage the unwanted blood vessels.
Macular degeneration is a very serious condition. When caught early, treatment can begin before serious vision loss occurs. This is why it is essential to schedule an appointment with Urias Eyecare every year. Our optometrist in Midland, TX, can catch the signs of macular degeneration during the annual exam. If you are showing signs, our doctors of optometry can begin treatment right away.
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