Macular Degeneration is deterioration of the macula, which is the critical area within the retina for fine detailed vision and color vision. When macula degeneration arises, central vision is usually affected. This onset is heralded by central distortion, blurry vision, and central visual field defects. Macular degeneration does not result in complete blindness, but rather an inability to read or drive. Several forms of macular degeneration exist, and everyone as we age manifest some form. The two most common forms are "dry" and "wet" form.
"Dry" or atrophic macular degeneration consists of pigment changes within the macula as well as deposits of metabolic by-products called drusen. Macular degeneration is usually detected by your eye physician during routine evaluations consisting of vision screening, stereoscopic view of the macula with special lenses, as well as photographs and fluorescein angiography.
Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure utilizing a special filtered camera with a mineral-based intravenous dye to view the extent of macular degeneration involving "leakage" from blood vessels. Leakage from blood vessels with macular degeneration results in the "wet" form of macular degeneration, which accounts for 10% of all cases of macular degeneration. Certain forms of the "wet" form may be treated with various types of laser including conventional and photodynamic laser. Your retina specialist will discuss the differences between each and which if any applies to your case. Recent studies have suggested potential benefit for nutritional supplements (ie beta-carotene, vitamin C/E, and zinc) in preventing progression and visual loss from certain "dry" forms of macular degeneration. Be sure to discuss with your retina specialist the dosages and if you qualify for this recommendation. Unfortunately no cure exists for macular degeneration despite ongoing research, and in certain cases vision loss is inevitable.

Click below for a Macular Degeneration presentation by Dr. Syrquin.

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