A disease that gradually destroys the macula, the central portion of the retina, reducing central vision.
Progressive, irreversible damage to the macula which results in a gradual loss of fine reading vision and, eventually, blindness. The use of lasers can, in some instances, halt the degenerative process.
An eye disorder in elderly people in which fluid leaks into the retina and destroys cones and rods, reducing central vision.
Degenerative changes in the central part (the macula) of the retina. This change is irreversible and is the leading cause of visual impairment in the United States today.
Breakdown of the center of the retina of the eye.
Loss of central vision due to disruption of the integrity of the retina.
A progressive disease of the eyes that affects the central portion of the retina (the macula) and causes a gradual loss of vision. In macular degeneration, the insulating layer between the retina and the underlying network of blood vessels (choroid) breaks down. Abnormal blood vessels may develop, which can rupture or leak blood and cause scar tissue to form; this, in turn, causes the macula to degenerate. Central vision fades as a result of this process, but vision to the sides (peripheral vision) remains unaffected. The disease may affect one or both eyes.
The macula undergoes a gradual, painless decline, commonly observed in the elderly. It’s the leading cause of visual impairment in the UK, though its exact cause remains undetermined.
Macular degeneration comes in two types: dry and wet. The dry form results from the death of cells in and just below the macula. In the wet form, delicate new blood vessels develop beneath the macula, which can leak blood or fluid, harming the cells. Both types lead to a growing circular blind spot in one’s vision. However, it doesn’t result in complete blindness, as peripheral vision remains intact.
The diagnosis involves ophthalmoscopy and vision tests. When wet macular degeneration is suspected, fluorescein angiography, which images the retina’s blood vessels, might be conducted to identify any irregular blood vessels.
Wet macular degeneration is typically treated with laser therapy. While there’s no cure for the dry version, individuals with this condition might find visual aids like magnifiers helpful.