Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Facts

Q: What Is Macular Degeneration?
A: Macular degeneration is the thickening and atrophy of the macula, the inner lining of the eye. Macular degeneration is accompanied by yellow deposits called drusen. Individuals with macular degeneration experience peripheral vision loss, inability to see detail, and difficulty with facial recognition.

Q: Who Does Macular Degeneration Affect?
A: While macular dystrophies are a leading cause of vision loss in those below 20 years of age, true macular degeneration occurs most frequently in elderly men and women over 60. As a result, the disease is generally referred to as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.

Q: What Causes Macular Degeneration?
A: The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but several factors exist that increase the likelihood of developing the illness. Individuals with a family history of macular degeneration are four times as likely to develop macular degeneration themselves. Hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol and obesity are also indicating factors. There is also some debate about whether exposure to sunlight may be a cause, with High-Energy Visible light also implicated.

Q: Is There Only One Type of Macular Degeneration?
A: No. There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration, called central geographic atrophy, attacks the rods and cones in the eye, causing vision loss. Wet macular degeneration is called neovascular AMD, causes vision loss due to bleeding and leaking from abnormal blood vessel growth. Wet macular degeneration is more severe and progresses more rapidly than the dry form of the disease.

Q: Is There Any Treatment For Macular Degeneration?
A: There is no treatment for dry macular degeneration. However, high dose vitamins supplements like VisiVite Macular Degeneration Vitamins have been shown to slow the progression of dry AMD. If you have a risk for developing macular degeneration, being proactive with regular eye exams and proper nutrition may help to prevent or delay the progress of AMD.