MACULAR DEGENERATION

Macular degeneration has become the buzz word for seniors over the age of 55. Every one knows someone who is blind from the disease and anyone who has a relative with it is concerned they will develop it.

The truth is, Macular Degeneration is a bad name for a very common finding. It is speculated that 20% of individuals above the age of 60 will have the changes consistent with macular degeneration. Does that mean that 20% of people over the age of 60 go blind? Not at all!

Macular Degeneration as a whole is a multifactoral disease process that affects central vision. The Macula, which is the portion of the eye that deals with central visual acuity, develops age changes such as pigment loss and material deposits. Most times the age changes do not affect vision and remain stable throughout life.

There are 2 types of Macular Degeneration, Dry Macular Degeneration and Wet Macular Degeneration.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry Macular Degeneration is by far the most common form. It is seen in up to 20% of people over the age of 60.

Features include small yellow deposts called drusen , areas of pigment loss and atrophic scars in the center of the macula. Below is a picture of what is seen in Dry Macular Degeneration.

Vision loss is less common with Dry ARMD. Visual problems involve distortion of the central portion of images such as seen below.

Obviously the above picture is an over dramatization. Most problems with Dry ARMD are subtle. Reading can become more difficult and straight lines such as door facings and telephone poles will seem bent, crooked or misshapen. If you notice any symptoms like that call us at 318-212-3937 for a thorough retinal exam.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet Macular Degeneration, or Wet ARMD, is more visually depriving than the dry form. It commonly arises in patients who have Dry ARMD. Wet ARMD progresses rapidly and can lead to severe visual loss in a short period of time if not treated early.

Features include small yellow deposts called drusen , areas of pigment loss and atrophic scars in the center of the macula. Below is a picture of what is seen in Dry Macular Degeneration.

Detection and Treatment

Early detection is the key to preserving visio in ARMD. Because you can have signs of ARMD even with perfect vision, you should be checked on a regular bases.

Risk factors for ARMD include:

Family History of ARMD
Smoking
Caucasian Race
Age over 65

If you are over 65 and have not had a recent eye exam then SCHEDULE ONE TODAY! Early detection can help reduce your chances of losing vision.

Some of the early symptoms of ARMD include:

Trouble Reading
Trouble recognizing faces
Difficulty adapting to dark environments
Distortion of central vision, ie. Straight lines appear crooked, bent or irregular

If you notice any of these symptoms, call us at 318-212-3937 to schedule an exam TODAY!