Treatment for macular degeneration will depend on the type and its severity. The right treatments can slow the progress of the disease and sometimes even reverse it.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in the United States. It affects the macula, which is in the center of the retina. As the disease progresses, the patient will lose their central vision. Macular degeneration is most common in white people who are at least 55 years old. It is also twice as common in people who smoke than in non-smokers.
What Are “Dry” and “Wet” Macular Degeneration?
“Dry” and “wet” macular degeneration are the two main types; “dry” macular degeneration affects 85 to 90 percent of patients. In “dry” macular degeneration, small yellow deposits called drusen form under the retina and cause the macula to become dryer and thinner, so it stops working properly.
In “wet” macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid. That fluid causes the macula to bulge upward and thus distorts the patient’s central vision. Macular degeneration treatment in Windsor, CO, can include lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and diet for the early stages and medications or laser treatments for the later stages.
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
The patient won’t notice any symptoms during the early stages of the disease. As it progresses, however, they will have increasing trouble with their central vision. Their eyesight can become blurred, and they may start seeing straight lines as wavy. They may also develop dimmed color vision or see objects as smaller than they actually are. They may also see an empty or dark area in the center of their field of vision.
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