Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration, also commonly known as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a condition in which the damage and thinning of the macular tissues affects the retina and decreases a person's central vision. In Americans aged 65 years and older, Macular Degeneration is the number one cause of loss of vision and blindness. With an increased percentage of Americans entering old-age, AMD is set to become a substantial health issue.
There are two types of macular degeneration: Dry Macular Degeneration (non-neovascular) and Wet Macular Degeneration (neovascular). Dry Macular Degeneration is the far more common of the two, occuring in 85-90% of AMD patients.
The dry form involves aging and thinning of the macular tissue, the introduction of pigment into the macula, or a combination of the two. The tissue deposits appear yellow, and eventually cause central vision loss.
The wet form includes the growth of new blood vessels in the macula, where they leak blood and fluid into the retina, causing permanent damage to retinal cells. The new blood vessels can also cause scarring within the eye, leading to greater loss of vision.
As of yet, no complete cure exists for macular degeneration, but proper treatment can delay it and even improve vision. Wet AMD is typically treated with FDA-approved Macugen and Visudyne in conjunction with Photodynamic Therapy or PDT. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals has also been linked to preventing and slowing the progression of AMD.
