Description
Macular Degeneration is and age related condition more common in people over 60 and often runs in families. It affects the small central portion of the retina that processes the straight ahead vision needed for reading, driving a car or recognizing faces.
There are two common types of macular degeneration, more commonly the dry form is associated with aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula, developing slowly it usually causes mild vision loss. The wet form accounts for 20% of cases but poses a greater threat to vision. In these cases, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina where they leak fluid and blood. If severe, this can create a large blind spot resulting in the loss of all straight ahead vision.
Signs and Symptoms
Blurry or fuzzy vision or distortion of straight lines, such as sentences on a page, telephone poles and sides of buildings. A dark or empty area in the centre of vision
Treatment
Ultraviolet protection in sunglasses, dietary supplementation (vitamins A, C, E and the mineral zinc), Macular Degeneration Therapies, Photodynamic Therapy, Vision Rehabilitation
