Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the small, central portion of the retina (the tissue on the back of the eye) called the macula. The macula is the portion of the retina that is responsible for your central, clear, sharp, “20/20” vision. There are two types of macular degeneration. In “dry” macular degeneration, deposits called “drusen” thin out the macula causing some visual degredation. In “wet” macular degeneration, new blood vessels form under the macula (which leak and cause bleeding of that portion of the retina) and can cause significant central vision loss.

Did you know….

that macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness? While most people with macular degeneration have the “dry” type, most vision loss occurs with the “wet” type. While there is no treatment for the “dry” type, there is evidence that certain vitamin supplements can decrease the risk of it getting worse. In the “wet” type, injections or laser type procedures can help prevent further vision loss.

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