Macular Degeneration is a lasting eye disease that causes vision loss. It is caused by damage to the nerves in your eye.
It causes blurred vision and loss of vision in the middle of what you would normally see. This makes it hard to drive, to read and to see people's faces. In severe cases the person may become legally blind.
There are two main types of macular degeneration:
Dry — develops slowly and causes gradual vision loss. It is caused by the gradual loss of cells in the retina. It is the most common kind. Wet — leads to rapid loss of central vision. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macular and leak blood and fluid. This is the most serious kind. Since macular degeneration mostly arises in people aged 50 or older, it is also known as aged-related macular degeneration, or ARMD.
The earlier macular degeneration is diagnosed, the better. Never think vision changes are just a part of getting older. See an optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you notice any changes to your vision.
- have blurred vision or blind spots
- have reduced vision in the centre
- see a blurry or blind spot
- have trouble reading small print that isn't improved with new glasses
- need a brighter light to do close work or read
- have problems judging distances
- have difficulty recognising faces
- think colours seems less bright
- see straight lines as wavy
- An optometrist or ophthalmologist will examine the back of the eyes using a special instrument. Special tests may be needed such as an angiogram of the eye.
- Vision tests are also needed.
The following specialty medications are available at Ace, a specialty pharmacy for macular degeneration.
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