Macular Degeneration
There are treatment options that may help maintain your vision and tools to help make the most of it.
Understanding Macular Degeneration
There is a small area of the retina, at the back of the eye, called the macula. It makes it possible for you to see fine details of objects. When a deterioration of this area occurs, it's called macular degeneration. It affects the central portion of your vision, but not the peripheral.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form, but why it develops is unknown. There is "dry" or atrophic macular degeneration, and "wet" or exudative macular degeneration. The dry form causes a gradual vision loss and results from the thinning of the macula tissues. The wet form causes a rapid and severe vision loss and results from the abnormal formation of blood vessels underneath the retina that leak.
Symptoms
If you find straight lines look distorted, words are blurred or you see dark areas in the center of your vision, you may have macular degeneration. It is typically not noticeable in the early stages. Your ophthalmologist can perform an eye examination to detect the early stages of macular degeneration. You may be alerted to the need for such an examination only when your blurred vision becomes obvious.
Normal Vision
Dry Macular Degeneration
Wet Macular Degeneration
Treating Macular Degeneration
Nutritional supplements such as zinc and antioxidant vitamins may help reduce the impact of age-related macular degeneration. However, they cannot cure the problem, nor can they restore lost vision. If you are at risk for developing age-related macular degeneration, though, they may help maintain your vision. You can also learn how to make the most of your vision and still do many of your favorite things with special low vision tools. These can include different kinds of magnifying tools, handheld computers, electronic items and more.
Schedule Your Appointment
Don't trust your vision to just anyone! Visit Texas Regional Eye Center and see for yourself the difference we call "Excellence in Eye Care." Call (979) 774-0498 or click below to request your appointment today.