What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the macula, a small area in the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading and driving. Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body’s natural aging process.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary among people who have macular degeneration, and the condition may be hardly noticeable in its early stages. Vision loss from macular degeneration can be detected if:
- Words on a page look blurred
- A dark or empty area appears in the center of vision
- Straight lines look distorted
Treatment Options
There is no cure for the majority of macular degeneration cases, known as “dry” macular degeneration. Treatment of this condition focuses on helping a person find ways to cope with visual impairment. A wide range of support services and rehabilitation programs are available to help people with macular degeneration maintain a satisfying lifestyle, and we can help you find resources that are right for you.
Certain types of “wet” macular degeneration (about 10% of cases) can be treated with:
- An injection of a medicine that halts new blood vessel growth
- Laser surgery
- A light activated chemical called photodynamic therapy
For more information download a brochure about Macular Degeneration. (254kb PDF)