What is the macula?
The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The fovea, which is at the center of the macula, is the most sensitive part. Responsible for central vision and reading vision, the macula has the most concentration of photoreceptor cells or light-sensitive cells. When the eye is directed at an object, the part of the image that is focused on the fovea is most accurately seen.
Macula conditions can be detected early and treated through pro-active routine annual eye exams with your family eye doctor.
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness among people 50 years of age and older. It is a deterioration of the macula that results in impaired central vision. People with AMD may have difficulty with daily tasks that require fine vision, such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, and dialing the telephone. There is no pain associated with AMD. It occurs in two forms:
• Dry AMD or dry macular degeneration (atrophic AMD) is the most common form of macular degeneration. This disease occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula break down, blurring the central vision in the affected eye. This form of AMD typically progresses very slowly and can less commonly lead to severe central vision loss. The most common symptom of dry AMD is a dark or blurred spot in the center of your vision. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. One of the most common early signs of dry AMD is drusen, which are yellow deposits under the retina. These changes may cause distorted or blurry vision. Your family eye doctor can detect drusen during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
• Wet AMD may cause sudden loss of central vision. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very weak and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raises the macula from its normal place. The patient may experience distortion, and straight lines may appear wavy. “Wet” AMD normally arises from pre-existing “dry” AMD.
What causes AMD and who is at risk?
The risk of developing AMD increases with natural aging. Other causes related to AMD include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, genetics and family history,
Eye Specialists of Indiana strongly encourages yearly eye exams with your primary care eye physician to ensure the long-term health of your eyes and vision.
How is AMD treated?
There are three possible treatment options for wet AMD: laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and injections into the eye. No treatment is a cure for wet AMD; however, treatments may slow the rate of vision loss or stop further vision loss. Unfortunately, vision loss can progress despite treatment.
Our commitment to you is to work together with your primary care eye doctor to help you maintain your best lifetime eye health and vision. If you are diagnosed with Age-related Macular Degeneration or are experiencing symptoms of macula conditions, Eye Specialists of Indiana will work with you to find a retinal specialist in the area that best fits your needs.