Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans and millions more around the world. The disease attacks the central part of the retina or ‘macula’, where our sharpest central vision occurs. Although it rarely results in complete blindness, it robs the individual of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the center of vision. There are several forms of macular degeneration, but the fastest growing form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the number one cause of severe vision loss and legal blindness in adults over 60 in the U.S. As our population ages, and the "baby boomers" advance into their 60's and 70's, we will see a virtual epidemic of AMD. Perhaps 14%-24% of the U.S. population aged 65-74 years and 35% of people aged 75 years or more have the disease.
Although it never causes total blindness by itself, age-related macular degeneration robs those affected of their sharp central vision and can dim contrast sensitivity and color perception. It destroys the clear, "straight ahead" central vision necessary for reading, driving, identifying faces, watching television, doing fine detailed work, safely navigating stairs and performing other daily tasks we take for granted. Peripheral vision may not be affected, and it is possible to see "out of the corner of your eye". Vision Rehabilitation and assistive devices can help people use their remaining vision effectively. The impact of developing AMD can be devastating to those who were independent and active prior to the onset of this impairment. Their visual world gradually diminishes into a vague blur, making ordinary daily activities challenging. There are two types of AMD - "wet" or neovascular and "dry" or atrophic. There is no cure for AMD, but new treatments are available for the wet form of the disease. There is no treatment for the dry form, but training and special devices can promote independence and a return to favorite activities.
Related Links: Macular Degeneration Foundation www.eyesight.org
Macular Degeneration Network www.macular-degeneration.org
Association for Macular Disease, Inc www.macula.org
Foundation Fighting Blindness www.blindness.org
National Eye Institute www.nei.nih.gov
AMDhelp www.amdhelp.com
There are several treatment options for wet AMD which can be very effective if applied early. For more information on treatment, click here. To learn about ongoing research and experimental treatments, click here.
When you go to your ophthalmologist for a regular check-up, you should receive a dilated retinal examination. If there are signs of macular degeneration, your doctor will notice the presence of drusen or may notice new blood vessels beginning to grow in the macula. For many people, the first sign of AMD is something they notice themselves. Straight lines like doorways or telephone wires may appear wavy or disconnected. When you look at a person, her face may be blurred while the rest of her is in focus. Lines of print may be blurred in the center or the lines may be crooked. For some people, there is a sudden blurring or loss of sight in the center of vision. This would be a sign of wet macular degeneration. For any sudden change, you should contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Here are some examples of what a patient with macular degeneration might see. Figure 1 shows the typical wavy lines at the center of vision. Figure 2 shows the missing image that is characteristic either of wet macular degeneration or of the later stages of dry macular degeneration
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