Macular degeneration is an eye disease than can affect vision.
Macular degeneration is usually an age-related eye disease that can result in significant vision loss for those who suffer from it. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, or center part of the retina, begins to deteriorate.
The macula is the most important part of the retina as it is the portion that allows us to focus and perform many vision related tasks.
Types
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of major loss of vision for those who are above the age of 60. There are two forms of macular degeneration - wet and dry.
Dry macular degeneration is the most common and involves yellow deposits forming on the macula. In dry macular degeneration, blind spots in the line of vision occur due to the deposits.
In the wet macular degeneration, which is more likely to lead to severe vision loss, blood vessels grow in the space. Wet form macular degeneration vision is obscured by leaking blood from the presence of the abnormal blood vessels.
Treatment
Macular degeneration may not result in total blindness but it can significantly impact a person's ability to see clearly. There is treatment for macular degeneration depending on the form you have. Dry macular degeneration can't be reversed. However, there is macular degeneration treatment available for the wet form.
If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration or if the eye disease runs in your family, it is important to see an eye doctor on a regular basis to monitor changes in your vision. This can be done with a comprehensive eye exam by a professional optometrist.
It is important to note that another disease, macular hole, is different and unrelated to macular degeneration. A macular hole is a small hole that occurs in the retina.
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