Macular Degeneration Information

Learn More About Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a very common condition that often leads to irreversible vision loss. It usually occurs later in life because the retinal pigment epithelial cells (the cells that detect the light) begin to break down. Once these cells are damaged and die off, then the vision loss is permanent. Macular degeneration is usually classified into two types, the wet kind, and the dry kind. Wet macular degeneration is the more severe type because there is active fluid around the area of damage in the retina, which will quickly damage the remaining “good” tissue. The dry form is more common but USUALLY not as severe when it comes to vision loss. 

There are a few risk factors that will contribute to increasing the chance of having macular degeneration. One of the main ones is genetics. If a patient has a family history of macular degeneration, then he or she has a higher chance of developing the disease. There is a genetic test that can be done to see if patients have the gene that results in macular degeneration. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure will also damage the retina, which is why it is important to wear sun protection (sunglasses or hat). Smoking plays a very large role in macular degeneration. A smoker has a six times higher likelihood of macular degeneration than individuals who do not smoke. 

Luckily, today we do have tools in our arsenal that allow optometrists and ophthalmologists to combat this disease. The key is to eliminate preventable risk factors, such as smoking and UV exposure. Also, the use of multivitamins plays a major role in the prevention and progression of this disease. There is no clinical data that would suggest that eye vitamins will not prevent macular degeneration, but many optometrists believe it does help, although an AREDS 2 formula multivitamin has been statistically proven to help slow down the progression of dry macular degeneration. If this disease changes from the dry form to the wet form, an ophthalmologist can perform eye injections or laser procedures to stop the fluid, but unfortunately, once the vision is gone, it cannot be gained back. What optometrists can do is enlist the help of low vision aids (magnifiers and electronic devices) to improve a patient’s visual function. 

With the aging population in today’s society, macular degeneration is on the rise, and it is up to the optometrist to formulate a plan to help make sure vision loss is kept to a minimum. Early detection is the key, and yearly eye exams with fundus photography and OCT scans are needed to keep patients from complete vision loss.

Determine your risk of macular degeneration by getting a comprehensive eye exam at Weber Optiks. To schedule an appointment, please contact us in Effingham, Altamont, or Mattoon today.