What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is a blinding disease which causes the death of cells in the light-sensitive region of the eye called the retina. These cells, called photoreceptor cells, are most severely affected in a specialized region of the retina called the macula, thus the name Macular Degeneration. The macula is responsible for what is called "fine acuity vision"; this is the vision that you use when driving, reading, sewing, watching television or any activity that requires one to focus on very small objects. Loss of the light-sensitive cells in the macula has devastating effects on vision and can lead to total blindness.
Who is at Risk?
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of new blindness in adults over the age of 60 in this country. The disease also causes less severe but significant reductions in the ability to see and perform everyday tasks. A study funded by the federal government's National Eye Institute showed that Macular Degeneration occurs in approximately one out of five people age 65 to 74. One of three people over age 75 in this country will suffer some visual impairment due to Macular Degeneration.
What are the Treatments for Macular Degeneration?
Currently, there are no treatments that prevent Macular Degeneration or reverse the loss of vision caused by this disease. The most commonly applied clinical approach to Macular Degeneration is laser surgery which in some cases can slow the progression of the disease, but does not restore already lost vision. This disease usually develops painlessly over a long period, often going unnoticed in its early stages. It is therefore important to receive regular examinations by a qualified eye care specialist who will be able to detect the early signs of Macular Degeneration and prescribe self-diagnostic tests that can be performed at home.