Macular Degeneration

The macula is the central portion of the retina. It is in this area that one is able to see color and the most definition. When there is poor circulation, this area can deteriorate and the central vision will be affected. One does not go blind from macular degeneration since the peripheral vision is usually preserved. The symptoms are loss of the central field of vision and consequently the sharpness of vision, loss of color vision, and difficulty reading. Sometimes magnifiers are helpful for close vision. These are called low-vision aids. In some forms of macular degeneration, new blood vessels or a neovascular net, as it is called, will form to attempt to improve the circulation. This will usually make the condition worse instead of better. When this occurs, treatments are sometimes helpful.

Today, we are fortunate to have a variety of treatments, including various injectable medications and various types of lasers. The advantages of some of the newer treatments is increased effectiveness, but more importantly, less healthy tissue is compromised. It must be remembered that these treatments are a means of arresting the progression of the problem and do not always restore vision already lost. There have been studies showing that vitamins, especially the antioxidants, have a beneficial effect on the retina. Keep in mind that they are not curative, but preventative; and the longer one takes these vitamins, the more protection they will have. Furthermore, it is always best to choose vitamins in liquid or capsule form for best absorption. Many vitamins in tablet form are not always the highest quality, and with the coatings designed to give longer shelf life, they often do not dissolve properly when swallowed.

Index of topics:

Acute Glaucoma Macular Degeneration
After Cataract Narrow Angle Glaucoma
Blepharitis Permanent Eyeliner
Blunt Trauma Post-Operative Care
Chalazion Presbyopia
Chemical Burns Pterygium
Chronic Glaucoma Ptosis
Conjunctivitis Radial Keratotomy
Corneal Transplants Retinal Detachment
Diabetic Retinopathy Rigid (Hard) Contact Lenses
Dry Eye Syndrome (Dry Eyes) Secondary Implants
Entropion and Ectropion Secondary Membrane
Excimer Laser Soft Contact Lenses
Foreign Body Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Introduction to Contact Lenses Sunglasses
Laser Surgery Vitreous Floaters
Lens Implants Warning Signs
Low Pressure Glaucoma What is a Cataract