Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is mostly related to aging, and it’s a common condition that causes problems with vision, but it’s manageable.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina (it’s located in the back of the eye, and it controls the central vision).

Causes and risk factors of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula starts to wear off due to unknown reasons while aging. There are two types of macular degeneration:

• Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration: it’s the more common one, and it develops due to the formation of small yellow protein deposits under the macula.
• Wet (exudative) macular degeneration: it’s the more advanced stage, and it develops when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina and macula, and they leak blood and fluid.

Macular degeneration can also be a result of diabetes, infections, head injuries, and a lack of the required nutrients.

The risk of macular degeneration increases due to the following factors: family history, smoking, hypertension, overweight and obesity, and a diet high in saturated fats.

Symptoms of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration affects central vision, and it causes:

• Blurred vision.
• Low vision.
• Not seeing well in low light.
• Blank or dark spots in the vision field.
• Seeing straight lines as curved or wavy.
• Problems in seeing colors.
• Macular degeneration can affect reading, recognizing faces, driving, and cooking.

Diagnosis of macular degeneration

• Vision exam.
• Eye exam.

Treatment of macular degeneration

There is no cure for macular degeneration, but it can be managed by:

• Medications.
• Certain nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
• Some procedures like photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation.