Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Q&A

What is macular degeneration?

Your macula is a collection of light-sensitive cells in the back of your eye, opposite your pupil. This is the part of your retina that’s responsible for turning your central field of vision into clear images that your brain recognizes and interprets.

But damage or injury to your macula means that you develop problems with your eyesight. Below are descriptions of some of the most common types of macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration doesn’t have one particular cause, although the damage to your macula increases with age. You start losing your ability to see straight ahead but still have your peripheral vision. In many cases, this type of macular degeneration is associated with:

• Smoking

• Family history

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Hypertension

• High cholesterol

Dry macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is most commonly linked to older age (over age 60), especially if it runs in your family. With this type of macular degeneration, your macula thins out and deteriorates over time. Severe dry macular degeneration often makes it difficult for people to recognize faces from short distances.

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is different in that it tends to occur quickly when a blood vessel leaks into your macula. This fluid displaces your macula, which causes objects in your central vision to become blurry and distorted.

Are there symptoms of macular degeneration?

Yes. Depending on which type of macular degeneration you have, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Blank spots

• Blurred vision

• Opaque or shadowy vision

• Straight or wavy line distortions

• Difficulty reading without a bright light

• Reduced central vision, but normal peripheral vision

Damage from macular degeneration is irreversible. The condition also develops long before you experience symptoms, which is why regular eye exams from Westchester Eyecare Center are so important.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Westchester Eyecare Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye exams and intervening early on if you’re showing any signs of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration doesn’t have a cure, but the condition is certainly manageable with the following solutions:

• Specialized visual aids, such as telescopic eyeglasses

• Photodynamic therapy

• Ocular injections

• Laser surgery

The purpose of your macular degeneration treatment plan from Westchester Eyecare Center is to delay the progression of the condition and preserve as much of your vision as possible while helping you see better today.

Before macular degeneration affects your vision any further, contact Westchester Eyecare Center for an evaluation. Book your appointment online or over the phone.