Macular Degeneration

WHAT IS AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION?

Macular degeneration is the result of a buildup of metabolic waste material in the most active area of the retina. This area is called the macula, and it is more active than parts of the brain. This waste material collects into spots called drusen, and the size and amount of drusen determine the severity of the disease. It is most helpful to identify in its early stages as Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that have been proven to slow down progression. It is difficult for patients to pick up on initial symptoms, but they may include blurring or dimming of your central vision, objects may look warped and distorted, or there is a blank or blind spot in the center of your field of vision.

WHAT CAUSES MACULAR DEGENERATION?

Two types of macular degeneration—wet and dry. The dry form is by far the most common type.

1. The dry is the most common type and is a gradual process. The dry form is the result of aging – the cells in the macula start to thin and break down, and waste deposits build up in the back of the eye damaging the macula. Central vision can become blurred or distorted slowly and may take several years before it affects your vision. This is the most helpful stage to start taking macular degeneration vitamins.
2. If the dry form progresses, it can convert into a wet form. Wet macular degeneration happens if the drusen become so large they break the barrier between the retina and the blood vessels. This causes a small bleed in the macula and blocks light from hitting the photoreceptors located there. Because of this vision loss can happen quickly and much more severely as abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye to try to replace blood flow. If this happens, there are specific types of medication that should be introduced to the area to stop bleeding and reduce new blood vessels from growing. This is done by a specialist, and Dr. Louie or Dr. Larson can typically refer you to see a specialist the same day if it is necessary.

Currently, there is no cure or way to reverse Macular Degeneration, so our best efforts are aimed at prevention, early diagnosis, and introduction of antioxidants to the diet. These antioxidants have not been shown to prevent the onset, so they are not generally recommended for anyone that does not currently have macular degeneration. Regular eye examination may help you find out if you are at risk and early detection can sometimes delay the loss of vision. Age and genetics are risk factors for macular degeneration that you cannot control but quitting smoking, wearing UV protective glasses, and having a healthy diet can reduce risk. Healthy dark-skinned foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli, berries, and peppers are high in natural antioxidants.