Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the group name for over 1500 conditions which affect your detailed vision at the macula. The macula is a small area at the back of the eye (about the size of a barley grain) in the retina, which gives you your vision for things like driving, reading and sewing. Macular degeneration is thought to be due to a build up of waste products at the macula area.

Wet and Dry.

The two main types of macular degeneration are wet and dry. They can be found either singularly or together in the same eye.

Dry macular degeneration is thought to be due to the receptor cells at the macula decaying and breaking up. This is a very slow process so it is easier to adapt to your changing vision. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this type of disease at present, but there are lifestyle changes which can help.

Wet macular degeneration is a rapidly progressing disease, which is caused by leaking abnormal blood vessels. This causes scarring and vision loss. There are a number of treatments which can stop the progression of loss of vision, BUT treatment must be started early to get the most benefit.

Signs of Macular Degeneration

Fuzzy Vision

Straight lines appearing distorted

A shadow in the central area of vision

If you get any of these signs, please get

your eyes examined as soon as possible