What is macular degeneration?
Macula Vision Research Foundation: FAQPathologic condition (altered or caused by a disease or abnormal function) Group of conditions that include deterioration of the macula, resulting in loss of sharp central vision. Hereditary types can occur in any age group.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsMacular degeneration is the physical disturbance of the center of the retina called the macula. The macula, which is about the size of the capital letter " O" in this sentence, is the part of the retina, which is capable of our most acute and detailed vision. It is also the location of most of our color receptors. We use the macula for reading, driving, recognizing faces, watching television, and fine work.Related Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Macular Degeneration is a blinding disease which causes the death of cells in the light-sensitive portion of the eye called the retina. These cells, called photoreceptor cells, are most severely affected in a specialized region of the retina called the macula, thus the name Macular Degeneration.Related Questions
FAQIn macular degeneration, the light-sensing cells of the macula mysteriously malfunction and may over time cease to work. Macular degeneration occurs most often in people over 60 years old, in which case it is called Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Much less common are several hereditary forms of macular degeneration, which usually affect children or teen-agers. Collectively, they are called Juvenile Macular Degeneration.Related Questions
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) | LASIK Mountain View...Macular degeneration is damage to the central part of the retina called the macula. The macula is a small area of the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly. When the macula doesn't function correctly, we experience blurriness or distortion in the center of our vision. Macular degeneration affects both distance and close vision, and can make some activities - like threading a needle or reading - difficult or impossible.Related Questions
Macula Vision Research Foundation: FAQYour eye doctor can tell if you have macular degeneration - and its level of development - through an eye exam in which drops are placed in the eyes to dilate the pupils and a special lens is used to examine the retina. This procedure allows for careful examination of the inside of the eye. The ophthalmologist can give you a definitive diagnosis after this retinal examination.Related Questions
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
Macula Vision Research Foundation: FAQIn the early stages of macular degeneration, vision may seem blurred or somewhat distorted: or a blank spot may be seen in one's vision. Straight edges may seem bent or wavy. One may notice that each eye perceives the size or color of an object differently. Many people may not even notice early changes in vision because only one eye is affected while the other eye continues to see well.
Related QuestionsWhat causes macular degeneration?
Macula Vision Research Foundation: FAQBesides age, and a family history of drusen, there are several characteristics that many people with macular degeneration seem to have in common. These include family history, smoking, or having blue or light colored eyes. Although seen as common factors in people with macular degeneration, it is not specifically known to what degree these characteristics actually increase one's risk for developing macular degeneration.
Related QuestionsCan macular degeneration be prevented?
Macula Vision Research Foundation: FAQThe cause of macular degeneration is not clearly understood and thus, methods of prevention are unproven. Demographic studies examining people with macular degeneration and their common characteristics suggest that there may be ways to minimize one's risk for developing macular degeneration. These include cessation of smoking, wearing sunglasses to prevent exposure to ultraviolet light, the harmful radiation from the sun, and eating a diet containing antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Related QuestionsHow is macular degeneration treated?
Macula Vision Research Foundation: FAQDespite ongoing research, there is no cure or medical treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration. However, low vision rehabilitation is very useful in helping people use their remaining vision in order to perform activities of daily living and maintain as high a level of independence as possible. Certain types of wet macular degeneration can be treated with laser therapy.
Related QuestionsWhat is the impact of macular degeneration?
Macula Vision Research Foundation: FAQIn personal terms, vision is the most important of the five senses: it links us most intimately to the world. Vision allows one to see a new grandchild, read a letter from a friend, scan a computer screen or navigate through traffic. At the beginning stage, macular degeneration, alone, does not result in complete loss of sight and most people continue to have some useful vision and are able to take care of themselves.
Related QuestionsEyeglasses, Contacts, Eye Examinations, Forest Hills, New Yo...A degenerative disease that affects the central spot (macula) of the retina, which is responsible for central vision. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 60. There are two types: wet and dry. Some people with wet macular degeneration may be helped by laser surgery. The cause of this disease is unknown, but scientists are studying whether vitamin and mineral supplements can prevent or slow its developmentRelated Questions
EyeMAC Development, LLC: Eye Health InformationMacular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness affecting more Americans than cataracts and glaucoma combined, for those aged 55 and older in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans. Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain.Related Questions
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
Quality Health | Age-Related Macular DegenerationA doctor can usually detect macular degeneration by doing a regular eye exam and asking questions about your past health. You may have some vision tests, including an ophthalmoscopy. This test lets your doctor look at the inside of your eye. If you have macular degeneration, your doctor may see drusen. These are yellowish waste deposits that can build up at the back of the eye. The doctor may have you look at a chart with lines and a dot at the center. This is called an Amsler grid .
Related QuestionsWho can contract wet macular degeneration?
Wet Macular Degeneration: VisiVite.comWet AMD is common in individuals over sixty years old, but can also occur in people as young as forty-years old. Macular degeneration is also the most common cause of vision loss in people over 65. Scientists believe that hereditary may also contribute to wet macular degeneration.
Related QuestionsHow is macular degeneration detected?
Frequently Asked QuestionsDeclining vision noticed by the patient or by a doctor during a routine eye exam may be the first indicator of macular degeneration. The formation of new blood vessels and exudates, or "drusen," from blood vessels in and under the macular is often the first physical sign that macular degeneration may develop. In addition, the following signs may be indicative of macular problems. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult an ophthalmologist immediately: a.
Related QuestionsIs macular degeneration hereditary?
Frequently Asked QuestionsMacular degeneration appears to be hereditary in some families but not in others. Since macular degeneration affects most patients later in life, it is difficult to study successive generations in a family. Recent studies of twins indicate that both genetic and non-genetic factors play important roles in age-related macular degeneration. Yes. It has been demonstrated that the blue rays of the spectrum seem to accelerate macular degeneration more than other rays of the spectrum.
Related QuestionsIs there any treatment for macular degeneration?
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. Until recently there has been no successful treatment for macular degeneration. For many years patients have had to rely on low vision aids, nutrition, and risky laser surgery to cope with this disease. There is now a new treatment using acupuncture points and a microcurrent stimulator that has shown the first effective results in treating the dry and wet form of macular degeneration, and also Juvenile Macular Degeneration, and Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Related QuestionsAre there effective treatments for macular degeneration?
Macular Degeneration - Frequently Asked QuestionsIf dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) reaches the advanced stages, there is no current treatment to prevent vision loss. However, a specific high-dose formula of antioxidants and zinc may delay or prevent intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage. The wet form of the disease can be treated with Lucentis®, Macugen, photodynamic therapy, and laser photocoagulation.
Related QuestionsWhat are wet and dry macular degeneration?
Macular Degeneration - Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are two forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry and wet. It is possible for a person to suffer from both forms and AMD can affect one or both eyes. The rate at which the disease progresses varies greatly. Dry AMD may advance and cause loss of vision without turning into the wet form of the disease. However, it is also possible for early-stage dry AMD to suddenly change into the wet form of the disease.
Related QuestionsCan diet prevent macular degeneration?
Macular Degeneration - Frequently Asked QuestionsSome limited studies appear to indicate that eating a diet high in carotenoids, antioxidant vitamins (such C and E), and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, more research is required before definitive statements can be made.
Related QuestionsCan younger people get macular degeneration?
Macular Degeneration - Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. Early onset macular degeneration (birth to age 7) is a genetic disease. It is called Best disease or vitelliform macular degeneration. Middle onset macular degeneration (age 5 to 20) is also a genetic disorder. This is commonly called Stargardt's disease, fundus flavimaculatus, or macular dystrophy. Finally, people in their thirties or forties can develop a form of the disease that is also inherited.
Related QuestionsWhat exactly is macular degeneration?
FAQs: Age-Related Macular Degeneration - AllAboutVision.comMacular degeneration is a condition in which the eye's macula breaks down, causing a gradual or sudden loss of central vision.
Related QuestionsWho's at the most risk for macular degeneration?
FAQs: Age-Related Macular Degeneration - AllAboutVision.comIf you're over age 65, a smoker, white or have a family member with macular degeneration, you have an increased risk for macular degeneration. You're also at risk if you take these drugs: Aralen (chloroquine) or phenothiazine derivatives [Thorazine (chlorpromazine), Mellaril (thioridazine), Prolixin (fluphenazine), Trilafon (perphenazine) and Stelazine (trifluoperazine)].
Related QuestionsIs there any way to prevent macular degeneration?
FAQs: Age-Related Macular Degeneration - AllAboutVision.comDoctors aren't sure how to prevent macular degeneration. Research suggests that ultraviolet light (and possibly blue light) factors into the problem, so sunglasses could be very beneficial. Read more about sunglasses. What you eat also affects your macula. Researchers think that antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E), zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and essential fatty acids all can aid in preventing macular degeneration. Read more about nutrition and eye health.
Related QuestionsWhat are the signs and symptoms of macular degeneration?
FAQs: Age-Related Macular Degeneration - AllAboutVision.comEarly signs include: straight lines appearing wavy, fuzzy vision, and shadowy areas in your central vision. Your eye doctor may find indicators before you have any symptoms, so regular eye exams can mean an early diagnosis. One way to tell if you are having these vision problems is to view an Amsler grid, which is a chart of black lines arranged in a graph pattern. Click here to see how an Amsler grid works.
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