Macular Degeration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease that is associated with central vision loss or the loss of the ability to drive, read, or to see objects up-close.  This disease is the most common cause of impaired reading in the United States for people who are over the age of 50. 

Age-related Macular Degeneration affects the macula, which is a part of the retina.  The macula is the thin layer of tissue that holds vision cells in the back of eye and it is the central focus point of the retina.  The macula is what helps us see details up close.  If the macula is damaged, central vision loss can occur, but has not been known to cause complete blindness.  Age-related macular degeneration can progress in different forms, some more severe than others, and typically affects both eyes although one is usually worse than the other.  

Signs and Symptoms of age-related macular degeneration include:

• Loss of central vision
• Difficulty seeing or reading details
• Distorted vision.
• Straight lines may appear wavy or bent

The two major types of age-related macular degeneration includes:

• Dry Type: This form of age-related macular degeneration is the most common and affects 90% of patients.  Patients who suffer from dry type AMD usually require more light to read and will have difficulty adjusting to different levels of light conditions.  A blurry of vision can occur with dry type AMD and can affect daily activities such as driving and reading. 
   
• Wet Eye: This form of age-related macular degeneration causes bleeding and leakage in the macula.  The bleeding and leaking is caused by growth of abnormal blood vessels.  Wet Eye AMD is mostly responsible for a loss of central vision.  The leakage can cause flickering lights to appear in some patient’s vision and an overall distortion of vision. 

Some factors that play a role in age-related macular degeneration include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Race
• family history
• Gender

Vitamins such as vitamin C and E are said to help dry type AMD.  Eye injections such as Lucentis or Avastin can prevent new blood vessels and scar tissue from forming, and leakage of the macula.  If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with Dr. Yankelove and he will provide you with the best treatment options for your specific situation.
 

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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.