February is Macular Degeneration
and Low Vision Awareness Month

What Everyone Should Know About Macular Degeneration
A Message from your Eye MD (Ophthalmologist)

Macular Degeneration is an eye condition in which the macula is damaged. Located in the center of the retina, the sensitive macula provides us with sight in the center of our field of vision. When we look directly at something, the macula allows us to see the fine details. This sharp, straight-ahead vision is necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and doing close work, such as sewing.

Types: The two common types of macular degeneration are "dry" and "wet." The dry form accounts for 90% of cases and is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. It develops slowly and usually causes mild vision loss. People often notice a dimming of vision when they read. Wet macular degeneration is a much greater threat to vision loss even though it accounts for only 10% of cases. With the wet form of the disease, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina where they leak fluid and blood and can create a large blind spot in the center of your visual field. If this happens, there will be a marked disturbance of vision.

Who gets it: Although it's more common for people over 60, it is possible to develop symptoms in your 40s or 50s. Macular degeneration often runs in families.

Symptoms can include:

• blurry or fuzzy vision
  
• straight lines, such as sentences on a page, telephone poles, and sides
  of building, appear wavy
  
• a dark or empty area appears in the center of vision
  

Causes and Prevention: No one is certain what causes macular degeneration or how to prevent it. Some steps may help:

Regular eye exams by your Eye MD. Your Eye MD is specially trained to detect many vision-threatening conditions even before you develop symptoms. The earlier problems are detected, the better the chance of preventing vision loss.

Protection from UV-A and UV-B rays. Some studies have suggested that prolonged or frequent exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays may be a factor in macular degeneration and other eye conditions, so always wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UV rays when outdoors.

Proper nutrition. Although there is no concrete evidence that nutrition plays a role in macular degeneration, a healthy diet can't hurt and can prevent many other health problems. Some Eye MDs may recommend vitamins or minerals to supplement your diet.

Treatment: There is usually no treatment for the "dry" form of macular degeneration. Low vision rehabilitation can help those with significant vision loss to maintain excellent quality of life. For the "wet" form of macular degeneration, laser surgery may help.

Unproven Treatments: Be wary of any treatment that promises to restore vision, or cure or prevent macular degeneration. There are many so-called "miracle cures" advertised (often in magazines or on the Internet) that have not been adequately tested for safety or efficacy. These treatments may be expensive, and are generally not covered by insurance. If you are considering trying a new or untested treatment, make sure you talk to your Eye MD to ensure they are safe and won't interfere with timely and effective treatment of any eye problems.

Low Vision Rehabilitation: Low Vision therapy can help people who have experienced mild to severe vision loss adjust to their condition and continue to enjoy active and independent lifestyles. Rehabilitation may involve anything from adjusting the lighting in your home to learning to use low vision aids to help you read and perform daily tasks. Your Eye MD can arrange rehabilitation or refer you to organizations that can help.