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- Macular Degeneration
is an age-related breakdown of the macula of the eye.
The macula is in the center of the retina, the light
sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. The macula
allows you to read, drive, and do other activities requiring
fine, sharp, and straight-ahead vision.
- There are two types of Macular
Degeneration:
- The dry form, which is
responsible for 90% of cases, involves loss of central
vision due to the breakdown of the light sensitive cells.
- The wet form, which is caused by
bleeding underneath the retina.
- The macula , in general, is the part of the retina that has the clearest sharpest vision.
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- No pain
- Slow onset
- Slightly Blurred Vision
- Needing more light
- Inability to recognize faces
unless they are close up
- Blurred spots in the center of
one's vision that progressively enlarge.
- No pain
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Rapid loss of central vision
- Blind spots may also be seen
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The cause is unknown at this time.
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- Visual acuity test -- How well one
can see at various distances
- Pupil dilation -- pupils are
dilated with specific eye drops. Yellow spots are seen in
the back of the eye called drusen.
- Master grid-A -- chart that tests
to see if straight lines appear wavy.
- Flourescein Angiography is done by injecting dye into the arm. X-Rays are then taken that help to detect bleeding underneath the retina in the wet type of macular degeneration.
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- No treatment for the dry type is
available at this time. For the wet form, laser
surgery (high energy beam of light) may be used.
- Avoiding ultraviolet rays by
wearing sunglasses
- Anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc
- Diets rich in blueberries.
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Regular yearly eye exams are recommended if you have symptoms or risk factors for MD. Call 911 if you experience any loss of vision.
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