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Macular Degeneration

There is no cure for macular degeneration, the leading cause for loss of vision among U.S. citizens over the age of 55. This incurable condition involves the steady degeneration of that part of the retina known as the macula. It makes clear and sharp vision possible for such essential daily tasks as driving and reading.

The more common form is dry macular degeneration, not as serious a condition as wet macular degeneration that causes serious loss of vision. The early stages of this disease, when macular tissues begin to age and thin out, is considered the dry version. Drusen, or yellow spot, begin to form in the macula of the retina, resulting in the gradual loss of vision.

About one out of every 10 cases of dry macular degeneration will advance to become the more serious form of vision loss known as wet macular degeneration. Because new blood vessels begin to grow underneath the retina, they begin to leak out both blood and other fluids. This results in retinal cells becoming permanently damaged. When these cells die off, the central vision is affected by blind spots.

Most individuals who experience macular degeneration start to notice a gradual loss of vision that is not accompanied by any pain. In very rare cases, catastrophic vision loss may be very sudden. There are certain symptoms that individuals should notice in order to get professional Macular Degeneration treatment from our specialists at Campus Eye Group. These symptoms include:

    • Vision becomes distorted or fuzzy
    • Noticing shadows in the central line of vision
    • Central vision that appears crooked
    • Noticing that colors have decreased intensity
    • The need for brighter illumination when reading or doing close-up work
    • Hallucinations involving people or geometric shapes

Individuals who experience any or all of the above symptoms should schedule a confidential consultation with one of our eye specialists at Campus Eye Group as soon as possible. If the disease has advanced to the wet macular degeneration stage, there are several treatment methods approved by the FDA. These wet macular degeneration treatments found to be successful include the use of such drugs as Eylea, Lucentis, Visudyne and Macugen, used with photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Although there are currently no FDA-approved drug treatments for dry macular degeneration, your eye specialist can recommend a regimen involving regular exercise, healthy diet, and UV sun-glass protection to help decrease the risk of experiencing the further advance of dry macular degeneration into the more extreme loss of vision associated with wet macular degeneration.

If you have any questions regarding macular degeneration feel free to contact us for a consultation. Campus Eye Group strives to help our patients feel comfortable and knowledgeable about eye care.