You are in good company if you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. In the United States alone, a new case is diagnosed every three minutes, affecting:
- One in six Americans between the ages of 55 and 64
- One in four is between the ages of 64 and 74
- One in three is over the age of 75
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of severe vision loss in patients over 50, affecting more than 10 million Americans – more than glaucoma and cataracts combined. Early identification and collaboration with your doctor can help slow or prevent the progression of macular degeneration.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a disease caused by damage to or breakdown of the macula, a tiny oval area in the retina where photoreceptors are most dense and where incoming images are focused. The macula’s center, the fovea, is responsible for fine-detail vision, both for distance and close-up tasks, such as reading and driving.
In macular degeneration, the macula gradually loses its function, resulting in a gradual decline in central vision while typically preserving peripheral vision. Complete vision loss from macular degeneration is rare.
Types of Macular Degeneration
- Dry Macular Degeneration: The most common form, characterized by the slow degeneration of the macula, the formation of yellow deposits (drusen), and thinning of the macula.
- Wet Macular Degeneration: A less common but more severe form involving abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina, leading to leakage, bleeding, and scarring that can reduce central vision.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is painless and often progresses gradually. Key symptoms include:
- Distorted vision, such as straight lines appearing bent or irregular
- Dark or blurry spots in the center of vision
- Difficulty reading or performing close-up tasks
- Colors appear different between the eyes
If you notice these symptoms, consult your eye doctor promptly, as they could indicate the early stages of macular degeneration.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of macular degeneration are unknown, but factors such as age, genetics, smoking, and poor diet may contribute. The macula requires a rich blood supply to function, and anything that impairs this can increase the risk of macular disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a series of tests, including:
- Visual acuity test
- Dilated pupil examination to check for drusen
- Use of an Amsler grid to detect distortions
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to map retinal contours
- Fluorescein angiography to identify leaking blood vessels
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and stage of macular degeneration:
- Dry ARMD: Regular check-ups, dietary adjustments, and nutritional supplements (such as the AREDS formulation) may help slow the progression.
- Wet ARMD: Includes thermal laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, anti-VEGF injections, and low-vision training. These treatments aim to slow vision loss and, in some cases, improve sight.
Home Monitoring
Patients can monitor their vision using an Amsler grid to detect distortions early. This is especially important for those at risk of developing wet macular degeneration.
We have provided a printable, free Amsler grid for you.
Regardless of the treatment therapy followed, patients with advanced dry macular degeneration should check their vision in each eye, one at a time, at least once a day by staring at the central point on an Amsler grid.
Research and Innovations
Ongoing research is exploring anti-angiogenic drugs, genetic studies, and new low-vision devices, such as the intraocular miniature telescope (IMT), to improve treatment outcomes for patients with macular degeneration.
Consult your eye doctor to discuss the best strategies for managing macular degeneration and protecting your vision.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Don’t let vision problems hold you back—trust the experts at East Valley Ophthalmology to restore your sight and improve your quality of life. Please feel free to contact us at 480-981-6111.
Our commitment to individualized attention and exceptional service has made East Valley Ophthalmology a leader in advanced, compassionate eye care. Arizona’s premier eye care center welcomes patients from all over: Ahwatukee, Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona, across the United States, and worldwide. We look forward to seeing you soon!
