Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.
The other is diabetic retinopathy.
The prevalence of the disease increases with age.
There are two forms; wet (exudative) and dry (non-exudative).
Both forms of the disease lead to progressive loss of vision.
Both are a bilateral disease, that is, it almost always affects both eyes.
The difference between the wet and dry is the speed and severity of vision loss.
The macula is the functional center of the retina.
It is a small area measuring no more than 1.
5 x 1.
5 mm.
It is the only portion of the retina sensitive enough to yield 20/20 vision.
The macula gives us excellent central vision and color perception.
The rest of the retina serves to give peripheral vision.
Macular degeneration is degeneration of the macular area.
It affects the central vision and in most cases limits a patient's ability to read.
It never causes complete blindness.
Dry macular degeneration is a slowly progressive disease with minimal to moderate visual loss.
Reading may eventually be impaired as well as driving.
Rarely does this cause legal blindness.
The wet form of the disease is defined by the presence, or growth, of abnormal blood vessels within the layers of the retina.
Fewer than 10% of all cases are of this type.
The abnormal vessels, also called neovascularization, may steal vision within a number of weeks.
While never causing complete blindness, legal blindness is quite common.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurry central vision, dark/gray areas of black or missing vision and distortion.
Should you experience any sudden, persistent change in vision, including distortion, you should see an eye care professional.