Macular Degeneration

Few people are aware that macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease and that it is the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans.

Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain.  The retina's central vision in the eye, and it controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail.

As people age, their chances for developing eye diseases increase dramatically.  Unfortunately, the specific factors that cause macular degeneration are not conclusively known.

Some common symptoms are:

 

	Gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly.
	Distorted vision
	Gradual loss of color vision
	Empty area appearing in the center vision

Central vision that is lost to ARMD cannot be restored.  A comprehensive eye exam and an OCT retinal scan should be performed yearly to detect the development and progression of the disease.  If ARMD has already affected a patient's sight, low vision devices are available to make visual tasks easier.

Recent research indicates certain vitamins and minerals may help prevent or slow the progression of macular degeneration.

If you or someone that you love experience any of the symptoms, please contact McFarland Eye Centers for a comprehensive examination.

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