Among men and women over fifty, macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness. This degenerative condition causes severe damage and around the retina. Nearly 10% of the population over the age of 65 will suffer from macular degeneration and the probability only increases as they continue to age.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurriness and total vision loss in the center the individual’s field of vision. This prevents basic tasks such as facial recognition and reading. Since it is a degenerative disease, a sufferer’s sight will continue to deteriorate over time. Depending on the variety of the condition which has been contracted, there may be medical procedures which will help relieve some of the symptoms of macular degeneration.
There are two different sub-types of macular degeneration, commonly refereed to as “wet” and “dry.” Wet macular degeneration is the result of unrestricted blood vessel growth within the rear portions of the retina. This results in hemorrhaging and scarring which can permanently inhibit eye sight. A type of drug which halts the growth of new blood vessels, called anti-angiogenics, can be injected directly into the eye to prevent further scarring. Although this procedure is considered very painful, regular injections are required to stop further degeneration of the patient’s eye sight.
The “dry” sub-type is the result of the slow atrophy of the retina. This leads to the death of the rods and cones which make up the basis of our ability to perceive color and retain visual acuity. Unfortunately, there are no surefire medical procedures to help those suffering from a dry macular degeneration. However, a battery of drugs and nutritional supplements can be used to help stall the effects of the disease for a period of years.
Patients suffering from early symptoms of macular degeneration such as blurred vision, shadows or blind spots, poor recovery from exposure to bright light, a steady loss in the ability to perceive colors and other chances in their normal vision should immediately consult with a physician. Smokers, overweight individuals, and those suffering from high cholesterol are most at risk for macular degeneration. Although macular degeneration is a very serious condition, with early detection it can become a treatable disease.
