Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that can cause loss of central vision. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The macula is located in the center of the retina and provides clear central vision. It defines detail when you look directly at an object. Because the disease develops as a person ages, it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although macular degeneration is almost never totally blinding, it can be a source of significant visual disability.

There are two types of AMD: wet (neovascular/exudative) and dry (atrophic). Roughly 90% of patients with AMD experience the dry form of the disease. Dry AMD is caused when deterioration of the macula occurs, and small yellow deposits called drusen form. Wet AMD occurs if deterioration causes abnormal blood vessels to grow from beneath the retina. Left untreated, the leaking blood and tissue fluid can result in severe loss of sight.

PREVENTION

There are several known risk factors that may increase your chance of developing macular degeneration. You should not smoke; should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight; and maintain a healthy diet, especially if you are a diabetic. Patients genetically predisposed to macular degeneration should also regularly schedule exams to detect macular degeneration early and prevent permanent vision loss.

TREATMENTS

There are several methods of treatment for both types of macular degeneration. Treatment is not curative yet but can limit progression and loss of vision. Nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes may help. Adding certain antioxidants to your diet may prevent further loss of vision caused by AMD. Currently, the most effective treatment for wet AMD is anti-VEGF therapy. VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. VEGF normally supports the growth of new blood vessels. In wet AMD, VEGF is unhealthy. It promotes the growth of new, weak blood vessels in the layer behind the retina. As these vessels leak, scarring of the retina can occur.