Macular degeneration is a leading cause blindness. It is a disease that is usually diagnosed in those over 55, affects both eyes and is slowly progressive. Macular degeneration is also known as ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration).
Macular degeneration can cause significant loss of central vision, but will not cause complete blindness as it does not affect the side, or peripheral, vision.
Thus, ARMD affects only central vision and may cause blurriness, distortion and non-moving black/grey spots in our vision. Legal blindness is possible.
The macula is a small area of the retina. It measures about 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm and gives us our central vision, including reading, our best color vision and is the only place sensitive enough to give us "20/20" vision. When we stare at something small, we are moving our eyes so that the image of interest falls on our macula.
The two forms are differentiated by the presence of abnormal blood vessels underneath the retina. The abnormal blood vessels are called neovascularization.
The dry form does not have neovascularization and is usually more slowly progressive than its counterpart. Most patients have the dry form, but it is possible for the "dry" to become "wet."
Both forms involve degeneration of the different layers of the macula.
There are lots and lots of vitamins claiming to be good for macular degeneration, but only one formulation has ever been proven to have an effect. An NIH based study concluded that the so-called AREDS formula of vitamin reduced the risk of severe vision due to wet ARMD by 25% in those patients. Only those patients that were of medium to high risk derived any benefit.
Patients with dry macular degeneration or patients with low risk ARMD do not have any reason for taking the vitamins.
Supplements such as lutein, omega 3 fatty acids, Beta-carotene, etc. have never been truly proven to be effective and are presently under study by NIH. This study, the AREDS 2 Study, will be concluding in a few years.
Symptoms of ARMD include blurry vision, distortion and dark/grey spots in your central vision. The dark/grey spots correspond to areas of the macula that have significant degeneration and are called "scotomas." Scotomas are basically small blind spots.
For those of you already diagnosed, self-monitoring of your vision may be helpful by use of an Amsler grid. This is an inexpensive, yet sensitive method, for tracking any changes.
Treatments are available for the wet form of the disease and include laser treatment, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the better the outcome. Currently, anti-VEGF medications are a common way to treat wet ARMD.
There are presently no treatments for dry ARMD.
In general, if you experience any sudden, persistent, changes in your vision, including distortion, please inform your eye doctor.
Any changes in your vision should be reported to your doctor. If a retina problem is suspected, a thorough, dilated exam of your pupils will allow the best view of the retina.
Further testing may be warranted to confirm the diagnosis.
It isn't necessary to see a retina specialist, but more important that you be examined. If needed, your eye doctor may refer you to a specialist.
Randall V. Wong, M.D. is a retina specialist practicing in Virginia. Get the latest health info on diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
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