Macular degeneration is a common yet serious condition that affects the macula of the eye. As a leading cause of vision loss for people over 50, diagnosing and treating age-related macular degeneration is essential to prevent severe vision loss.
At the Retina Institute of Illinois, our ophthalmologists are experts at treating macular degeneration and are committed to providing you with comprehensive and effective eye care.
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a condition that affects your central vision. This makes it difficult to see things right in front of you, especially fine details.
However, your peripheral vision usually remains intact. When the macula, the central portion of the retina, begins to deteriorate, it impairs your ability to see directly in your central field of vision.
This is because the macula is responsible for processing light from the central visual field and transmitting images through the optic nerve and into the brain. This progressive eye condition can impact your daily life, preventing you from being able to do things like drive, read, cook, or recognize faces.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration, dry and wet.
Dry macular degeneration is the most common type, with 8 out of 10 patients having the dry form. This is characterized by the thinning of the macula as you age, causing clumps of protein called drusen to build up.
The macula will start losing cells necessary for light processing, affecting central vision. This form is less severe, as vision loss typically occurs gradually, and most patients don’t lose all of their central vision.
Wet macular degeneration is less common and more severe, as it can lead to rapid vision loss. It happens when abnormal blood vessels start to grow under the retina.
They leak blood or other fluids that cause scarring or bulging on the macula. This can cause dark spots in your vision and can quickly lead to total vision loss.
Although there is no known cause of macular degeneration, certain risk factors can make you more likely to develop the condition. It mainly occurs in people 50 and older, which is why it is often considered age-related.
You may be more susceptible to developing macular degeneration if you have any of these risk factors:
While not all cases of macular degeneration can be prevented, adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk or slow the progression of the disease. Maintaining a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and colorful fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients that support eye health.
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking are also important preventive measures. Frequent eye examinations become increasingly important as you age, especially if you have risk factors for macular degeneration.
Although many people with macular degeneration do not report symptoms until the eye condition has progressed, some common symptoms include:
These symptoms are not exclusive to macular degeneration, so you should see your eye doctor so they can properly diagnose your condition. If you do have macular degeneration, our team at the Retina Institute of Illinois will work with you to determine the appropriate next steps.
Your eye doctor can diagnose macular degeneration during a comprehensive eye exam. Regular eye exams are crucial to preventing vision loss from macular degeneration, as treatments are most effective with an early diagnosis.
Standard tests for macular degeneration that your eye doctor may perform at your eye exam include dilation, the Amsler grid test, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and angiography.
Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, certain treatments can slow its progression. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preserving vision, as it is irreversible once you lose your vision.
Depending on your type of macular degeneration, your eye doctor may recommend treatments like the AREDS Vitamin Regimen or Anti-VEGF injections. Managing macular degeneration is typically a long-term process that requires regular monitoring and potentially ongoing treatment.
For patients with wet macular degeneration receiving anti-VEGF injections, consistent follow-up appointments are crucial for maintaining the best possible vision outcomes. Even those with dry macular degeneration benefit from regular check-ups to monitor for progression to the wet form or other complications.
Our team at the Retina Institute of Illinois works closely with each patient to develop a personalized care plan that considers their specific type and stage of macular degeneration, overall health, lifestyle needs, and treatment preferences. This collaborative approach helps ensure the best possible outcomes and quality of life for our patients.
Do you think you could have macular degeneration? Schedule your appointment at the Retina Institute of Illinois to explore diagnosis and treatment options.
