What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an age-related disease that destroys central vision. It is the principal cause of vision loss after 60. In some cases, the disease progresses so slowly that it has little effect on vision. In others, however, it progresses rapidly and one or both eyes lose central vision.
Who is at risk?
- People aged 60 and over
- Women sooner than men
- Smokers
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
- Fogged vision, particularly in the centre of the field of vision
- Distortion of straight lines
- At an advanced stage, the presence of a black area in the centre of vision
How can macular degeneration be detected?
- Examining the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope
- Looking at an Amsler grid, which looks like a checker board
Can macular degeneration be treated?
- There is no treatment for the atrophic form of macular degeneration. Studies have increasingly shown, however, that some vitamins and minerals (antioxidants) can slow the disease’s progression.
- Ask for more information on your next visit to the optometrist.
- Laser surgery can sometimes help, treating the degeneration by lifting the retina. Treatment consists in focusing a laser beam on the new blood vessels to destroy them.
