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Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a retinal degenerative disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. The risk of developing macular degeneration increases with age. The disease most often affects people in their sixties and seventies.
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of fifty-five.
Clinical Description
Central vision loss from macular degeneration is caused by the degeneration of the macula. The macula is the central portion of the retina responsible for perceiving fine visual detail. Light sensing cells in the macula, known as photoreceptors, convert light into electrical impulses and then transfer these impulses to the brain via the optic nerve. Central vision loss from macular degenerationoccurs when photoreceptor cells in the macula degenerate.
Individuals with macular degeneration may first notice a blurring of central vision that is most apparent when performing visually detailed tasks such as reading and sewing. Blurred central vision may also make straight lines appear slightly distorted or warped. As the disease progresses, blind spots form within central vision. In most cases, if one eye has macular degeneration, the other eye will also develop the disease. The extent of central vision loss varies according to the type of macular degeneration.
What Causes Macular Degeneration?
Early onset forms of macular degeneration are genetic - programmed into your cells and not caused by injury, infection or any other environmental factors. Certain genes necessary for normal vision give faulty messages to the cells in the macula, which leads to their progressive degeneration and eventual loss of vision.
Macular degeneration, is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 55. Studies have found that both genetic and environmental risk factors influence the disease.
What Are Some of the Questions I Should Ask My Eye Doctor?
1. What changes can I expect in my vision?
2. Will my vision loss get worse? How much of my vision will I lose?
3. Will regular eyeglasses improve my vision?
4. What medical/surgical treatments are available for my condition?
5. What can I do to protect or prolong my vision?
6. Will diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes help?
7. If my vision can't be corrected, can you refer me to a specialist in low vision?
8. Where can I get a low vision examination and evaluation? Where can I get vision rehabilitation?
9. What is the name of my eye condition?
10. What is my visual acuity (Central vision)?
11. What is my visual field (Side vision)?
12. Are there other tests?
13. What about a second opinion?
14. Are there any optical or non-optical aids that can help me use my remaining vision to the fullest extent possible?
15. Are there any mobility aids to help me move around more safely?
16. Do any of your other patients have this condition? Would they be willing to talk with my family and me?
17. Do you have any educational materials that describe this condition?
18. Are there any organizations that provide services to individuals with this or related eye conditions?
Input from the National Eye Institute
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
Blurring of Central Vision Difficulty Seeing Detail
- Up Close and at a Distance Distortion of Lines and Shapes Diminished Color Vision
Can my Ophthalmologist Diagnose Macular Degeneration?
Possibly, however, if you experience either of the symptoms noted above and your ophthalmologist isn't certain, you should consult with a retinal specialist. The Foundation maintains a list of doctors who specialize in retinal degenerative diseases.
Are There Special Tests to Diagnose Macular Degeneration?
Yes.
Your doctor will examine your eyes with special lenses to view the interior of the eye through the pupil. Other tests for Macular Degneration include
Acuity Tests: This test measures the accuracy of your central vision at specific distances in specific lighting situations.
Amsler Grid Test: This test checks for spots of sight loss.
Color Testing: This can help determine the status of your cone cells, the retinal cells that interpret color.
Fluorescein Angiogram Test: This test allows your doctor to visualize the inner structure of the eye. Photos are taken of the retina and the macula in order to identify new blood vessel growth and leakage from blood vessels.
Can Macular Degeneration Lead to Total Blindness?
Most people with macular degeneration retain peripheral vision and learn to optimize the use of their remaining vision. Legally blind individuals are those whose best visual acuity or sharpness (with glasses or contact lenses, if needed) is 20/200 or worse in their better eye; or whose visual field, regardless of acuity, is restricted to a 20 degree diameter (10 degree radius).
Can Macular Degeneration be Prevented?
At present, there is no known way to prevent macular degeneration. For now, the most important thing to do is to have regular eye exams, which may allow early detection and diagnosis. This is particularly important if a close relative has been diagnosed with macular degeneration.
There are also several areas of research that offer tremendous promise for halting the disease or restoring vision loss:
· Retinal Cell Transplants
· Pharmaceutical therapy
· Nutritional Therapy
· Gene Therapy
SOURCE: The Foundation Fighting Blindness Blindness.org
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[Macular Degeneration Index][Low Vision Diseases Page ]
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