Macular Degeneration

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• QCan a regular eye exam detect macular degeneration?

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  A Dr. Manvi P. Maker , Ophthalmology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  In the United States, macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 50 years.  It affects the central part of the retina (a layer that lines the inside of the eye) which is called the macula.  The macula is responsible for your sharpest "straight-ahead" vision.

  A dilated eye exam allows your eye doctor to view the retina and macula and detect signs of macular degeneration.  Some additional testing may be necessary to determine whether it is the dry or wet form, and whether treatment is required.

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• QWho is at risk for vision loss from macular degeneration?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Macular degeneration is an age-related vision problem and the leading cause of blindness in adults over age 60.

  Today, findings show that macular degeneration affects about 12 million people in the United States. This is about one in four older adults. Worldwide, macular degeneration affects about 50 million adults.

  Macular degeneration is the result of the breakdown or deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina. In the eye, the macula works to control central vision. In fact, without the macula, you could not read a book, drive a car, recognize colors or see the intricate details on paintings.

  With aging, the chances of macular degeneration increase. Also, people who smoke have a higher chance of getting macular degeneration as those who do not smoke. Many feel that long-term exposure to sunlight contributes to this condition. Heredity and nutrition are also thought to play a role.

  Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and injections into the eye, although there is no cure for wet AMD. Dry macular degeneration has no effective treatment.

• QWhat is age-related macular degeneration?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Age-related macular degeneration is a condition in which there is a slow breakdown of cells in the center of the retina (the light-sensitive layers of nerve tissue at the back of the eye). This blocks vision in the center of the eye and can cause problems with activities such as reading and driving. Age-related macular degeneration is most often seen in people who are over the age of 50. Also called AMD, ARMD and macular degeneration.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.

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• QWhat is macular degeneration?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Age-related macular degeneration is the most common reason for vision loss. It comes in two forms: wet and dry.
  
  "Dry" macular degeneration is the more common form. Although the exact cause is unknown, we know that those who smoke and have high blood pressure are most affected by this form of macular degeneration. There are no good treatments for dry macular degeneration, but fortunately it often progresses very slowly.
  
  "Wet" macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina. The vessels eventually leak blood elements and damage the retina.
  
  In some instances, laser treatment can improve or slow the progress of wet macular degeneration. We also know that multivitamins can delay or in some cases prevent early wet macular degeneration from becoming "eye blinding" wet in some people.
  
  Finally, we know that macular degeneration isn't as much of a genetic condition as it is one of lifestyle. Making the many lifestyle choices that keep your arteries young will reduce your chances of developing both forms of macular degeneration.

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• QWhat can I do to make my daily life easier if I have AMD?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  If you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the following tips may help improve your daily life:

  • Initiate conversation: Make a list of questions for your eye care professional about your specific diagnosis and available treatments.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle: Quitting smoking, losing weight and controlling your blood pressure can help reduce the risk of AMD progression. Simple changes like adjusting lighting and investing in an e-reader (that allows for larger print) can make daily life easier.
  • Drive safely: Have a serious conversation with your family and doctor about whether driving is safe for you and other people on the road.
  • Learn more: Research the latest treatments, such as the telescope implant for those with the severest form of AMD.
  • Find support: There are local low-vision resource centers, such as Lions Club International, and national AMD awareness groups across the country and online.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.
• QWhat are complications from treatment for wet macular degeneration?

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  A Dr. Ray Lin, MD , Radiation Oncology, answered on behalf of Scripps Health

  Treatment for wet macular degeneration involves injecting medicine into the white of the affected eye using a very small needle. The most serious complication following an injection is an infection inside the eye, but the risk of this occurring is very low, about 0.1%. During the week following an injection, if you experience worsening vision, pain, redness, or pus-like drainage from the eye, you may have an infection, which requires immediate treatment. Call your ophthalmologist immediately.
• QDoes macular degeneration mean blindness?

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  A Dr. David R. Demartini, MD , Ophthalmology, answered

  Macular degeneration does not usually blind patients (no vision whatsoever). It can lead to less than 20/200 in each eye which is the current definition for legal blindness in the United States. Most patients have "dry" (not bleeding) macular degeneration which worsens very slowly. Anti-oxidant vitamins have been shown to slow this progression. Future treatments are pending for prevention of the slow progression but are not available in the U.S. now.
  "Wet" (bleeding) macular degeneration is not as common. It can be very devastating to vision if not recognized and treated early. New anti-bleeding/inflammatory medications are available which have revolutionized the treatments for this disease. Retinal specialists have access and experience with these sight saving medicines.
• QHow rapidly does dry macular degeneration progress?

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  A Dr. David R. Demartini, MD , Ophthalmology, answered

  
  Generally, dry macular degeneration progresses very slowly. No one disease is the same as the next person's. Hence it is impossible to tell each individual how rapidly their macular degeneration will progress.
  Recently there have been studies that suggest that taking antioxidant vitamins will slow the natural progression of most patients' dry macular degeneration. Hence ophthalmologists recommend taking the antioxidant vitamins and get regular eye health checkups rather than worrying about how fast their disease may progress.