February is Age Related Macular Degeneration Month
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in the elderly. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. Because the disease develops as a person ages, it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although AMD is almost never a totally blinding condition, it can be a source of significant visual disability.
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There are two main types of AMD:
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- Dry form. The "dry" form of macular degeneration is characterized by the presence of yellow deposits, called drusen, in the macula. A few small drusen may not cause changes in vision; however, as they grow in size and increase in number, they may lead to a dimming or distortion of vision that people find most noticeable when they read. In the advanced stages, patients lose central vision.
- Wet form. The "wet" form of macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the retina, causing distortion of vision that makes straight lines look wavy, as well as blind spots and loss of central vision. These abnormal blood vessels eventually scar, leading to permanent loss of central vision.
What Are the Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration?
As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration is more common in older adults. In fact, it is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 55.
Macular degeneration may be hereditary, meaning it can be passed on from parents to children. If someone in your family has or had the condition you may be at higher risk for developing macular degeneration. Talk to your eye doctor about your individual risk.
Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and being of Caucasian descent are also risk factors for macular degeneration.
Regardless of your age or your symptoms it is always wise to have your eyes checked yearly. For more information contact the Shelby Macomb Vision Associates at 586-803-3152
