AZ Eye Care

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that damages the macula, a part of the eye that controls central, detailed vision. Sufferers of this disease lose focused, detailed, central vision, but often maintain side vision. The disease typically occurs in adults over 50 years old, and affects either one or both eyes. Vision lost to macular degeneration cannot be restored, but it can be treated and doesn’t cause total blindness.

'Dry' and 'Wet' Degeneration

“Dry” macular degeneration is most common. In its early stages you may not notice any vision changes. Over time, though your central vision -- where you focus most -- slowly worsens. Wavy lines and blank spots may affect the center of your vision and colors seem dull. The macula forms the back of the eye, and if waste products build up on it, tissue begins to break down affecting vision.

Dry macular degeneration can deteriorate into “wet” macular degeneration. The wet type is less common but more serious because it can quickly and severely harm vision. Dark spots, blank spots, wavy lines, and dim colors suddenly appear in the center of your vision, signally something is wrong. In this condition, new blood vessels grow in and under the macula and leak fluid causing macula bulges and vision distortion.

Screening

To keep your vision healthy for as long as possible, have your eyes checked regularly and monitor your vision. Sudden vision changes could mean an onset of wet macular degeneration.

When examining your eyes, doctors may do a vision test to determine how well you see and dilate pupils or use special instruments to view inside your eyes. Sometimes doctors use a special dye to take pictures-- or angiograms-- of your eyes to determine the severity of macular degeneration.

Some common advice is to take vitamins, quit smoking, and avoid ultraviolet light -- especially sunlight -- to keep your vision from getting worse.

In wet macular degeneration, if it is caught early enough, laser treatment may help slow further vision loss.

Monitor Your Vision

Doctors will instruct you on using what’s called as Amsler grid, which looks like graph paper with a dark dot in the middle. Patients cover or close one eye and focus on the dot, then mark any vision changes. This usually is done daily so doctors can respond quickly if sudden changes occur, such as dark spots or wavy lines that weren’t seen before.

What To Do

While macular degeneration can limit eyesight, you can still do many daily activities. Vision aids help with tasks that require detailed vision so you can read, take care of yourself, and continue an active life.

Vision aides may include magnifiers and closed-circuit television devices, check-writing guides and large-print checks, large-faced watches and phones, large-print books (and audio books), and talking devices, such as clocks.

In addition to consulting with your Arizona Eye Care doctors, several non-profit organizations are dedicated to helping people who need vision aids, including: