Macular Degeneration Specialist

What are the different types of macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration develops in an area near the center of your retina called the macula. The macula contains light-sensing cells that are responsible for sharp, central vision (the ability to see things straight ahead).

There are two types of macular degeneration:

Dry macular degeneration

About 80% of patients with macular degeneration have the dry form. It develops over time, as the macula gets thinner and drusen develop.

Drusen are tiny clumps of protein and fat that accumulate under the retina. As drusen gradually enlarge, cells in the macula are damaged, and you may begin to lose central vision.

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration develops as abnormal blood vessels grow behind the retina. These new blood vessels are fragile, so they leak blood and fluids. As the excess fluids cause swelling, the macula is damaged.

Although wet macular degeneration is less common than the dry form, it’s more serious because you can lose vision faster.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

You won’t have symptoms in the early stages of macular degeneration. As drusen grow or as fluids accumulate, you may experience:

• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision (straight lines look wavy)
• Loss of central vision
• Diminished color vision
• Difficulty seeing in low light

As you lose central vision, you’ll begin to see a darkened shadow in the middle of your visual field that makes it hard to recognize faces or read.

What is optical coherence tomography?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging procedure that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina. OCT gives your optometrist a view of the retina’s layers, which is the best way to determine the size of drusen or evaluate leaking blood vessels.

How is macular degeneration treated?

There currently aren’t any treatments for dry macular degeneration. However, taking a therapeutic dose of eye vitamins may prevent or delay disease progression.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is associated with a higher risk of developing macular degeneration. Wearing eyewear that provides UV protection may prevent the disease or stop existing macular degeneration from worsening.

Your optometrist may recommend one of several treatments for wet macular degeneration that either stops bleeding from existing abnormal blood vessels or prevents the growth of new vessels.

If you’re overdue for an eye exam or you’ve already noticed changes in your vision, schedule an appointment with online booking or by calling Valley Eye Professionals.