Questions about Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease diminishing the sharpness of your central vision. Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is located in the center of the retina. The retina is a thin layer of tissue lining the back of your eye. 

Macular degeneration can occur in one eye or both eyes, and it has two types: wet and dry.

How is the Macula affected by AMD?

The retina is light-sensitive. When light enters your eye, light-sensitive cells in the retina change the light into electrical impulses. The electrical impulses travel to your brain, where they are interpreted.

The macula – at the center of the retina – contains many of these light-sensitive cells. These cells in the macula allow your central vision to be clear and detailed, and are especially important to tasks like reading and driving. AMD damages the light-sensitive cells, resulting in distorted vision.

What is Wet AMD?

Wet macular degeneration is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid, which pushes the macula forward and out of its normal position. Wet AMD quickly causes damage to the macula and is considered an advanced stage of macular degeneration.

What is Dry AMD?

Dry macular degeneration is caused by the slow break-down of the light-sensitive cells in the macula. Dry AMD occurs in stages, causing greater vision loss as it progresses. Dry AMD is the more common type, comprising about 90 percent of all cases. It is possible for the dry form to turn into the wet form.

Who is at Risk for Macular Degeneration?

Studies have shown the following risk factors for macular degeneration:

• Age 60 or older
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Diet low in antioxidants and nutrients
• Lack of exercise and physical activity
• Female sex
• Family history
• Caucasian race

The greatest risk factor seems to be age. Although people who are middle aged may develop AMD, people over 60 are much more likely to develop this eye condition.

What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Pain is not caused by either form of AMD and the first noticeable symptoms are vision distortions.

Dry macular degeneration initially causes blurred vision. You may have difficulty seeing clearly in front of you. It may be difficult to recognize people's faces or read text. As dry AMD progresses, a blind spot may begin to develop in the center of your vision.

Straight lines appearing wavy or crooked are a common symptom of wet AMD. This distortion is caused by the raised position of the macula. You may also develop a blind spot in the center of your vision.

How is Macular Degeneration Treated?

Treatments for macular degeneration include:

• Injections to combat vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF therapy)
• Antioxidants and zinc
• Photodynamic therapy (drug injections)
• Laser surgery

Depending on the type and progression of your macular degeneration, one of these treatments may be able to prevent further vision loss and possibly improve current vision distortions.  

To find out if you are at risk for macular degeneration, and if you live in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area, please contact the experienced ophthalmologists at Silverstein Eye Centers to schedule a consultation.