Macular degeneration is a retinal disease that occurs when the macula, the central area in the retina at the back of the eye, begins to gradually deteriorate, usually because of age. A partial or total loss of sharp central vision can occur. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness among people over the age of 50 in the western world.
In some individuals, tiny dot-like deposits, known as drusen, slowly accumulate beneath the macula. While these deposits usually do not cause visual loss directly, they indicate that a person is at risk for developing further problems with the macula. Atrophic or thin areas can develop in the macula which can lead to visual loss in the “dry” form of macular degeneration.
In some patients, abnormal blood vessels may develop under the macula leading to the “wet” form of macular degeneration. If these vessels can be identified at an early stage, treatments can be administered to stop the progression of the disease. If you notice any new distortion or visual changes, it is critical to contact your eye care provider immediately.
Macular degeneration is one of the most common eye diseases treated by the doctors at Marietta Eye Clinic. If you are experiencing any vision changes, contact us immediately to schedule a comprehensive eye exam in Georgia. Remember: Early detection is vital to protecting your eyesight.
When it comes to your eyes, nothing beats a face-to-face consultation with one of our eye doctors. Request an appointment to meet with one of our specialists.
8/24/2018
8/24/2018