WHAT IS MACULAR DEGENERATION?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects the retina. Your retina captures the images you see before the information is sent to the brain. The macula is located in the retina of the eye, and is responsible for both color vision and your sharpest central vision.
Most individuals who suffer from macular degeneration are able to maintain their vision. However, it is possible for this eye disease to make it difficult for you to perform regular, routine activities such as household tasks, driving, and reading.
Most of the time, AMD affects older adults and can cause permanent damage to the retina within the eye. It is common for a person to maintain enough peripheral vision to handle daily activities, although declining central vision can often be difficult to cope with in many situations in life.
TYPES OF MACULAR DEGENERATION
There are two types of macular degeneration: the dry type and the wet type. Both types of AMD can cause vision loss, but treatments may vary depending on the type of AMD you have.
The “dry” type of macular degeneration is the most common, and is less severe than the wet type. Most people experience a gradual loss of vision with this eye disease, and it is thought that the disease develops due to fat deposits that build up under the retina.
The “wet” type of macular degeneration usually occurs due to the development of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. These blood vessels can eventually begin to leak and cause vision problems.
TREATMENTS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
Treatments for AMD will vary depending on whether you have dry or wet AMD, and on the severity of your eye disease. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to learn more about the types of treatments ideal for you. These treatments might include surgery, medication, or laser treatment.