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MACULAR
DEGENERATION
Macular degeneration, often called AMD or ARMD (for age-related
macular degeneration), is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness
in Americans age 65 and older. Two leading eye-health organizations
estimate that between 13 and 15 million Americans have some evidence
or macular degeneration. Additionally, it is projected that approximately
17 million people will have moderate to severe AMD by the year 2020.
ARMD usually affects both eyes, but one eye may be affected before,
or more severely than the other. The causes of ARMD are not known.
Smoking may contribute to the problem, and you may also be at greater
risk if a family member has ARMD.
The macula is the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue
at the back of the eye. There are cells in the retina that change
light into impulses that are sent to the brain, which in turn interprets
them as images. If the macula becomes damaged, a patient will no
longer see fine details in the center of his or her vision. Usually,
the peripheral vision will not be affected. Unfortunately, the loss
of central vision can make it difficult to read, drive, or simply
see straight ahead.
There are two forms of ARMD: wet and dry. The wet form occurs when
new, fragile blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood
and fluid. The leaks can cause damage to the macula rapidly. The
dry form occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula gradually
break down. In both forms, a blind spot will develop in or near
the center of vision. The dry form is more common and causes a slower
and often less severe loss of vision
ARMD does not cause pain. The early signs of this condition are
usually changes or problems with the patient’ s vision, including
blurred vision, a wavy appearance to straight lines, a dark spot
or area in the center of words while reading, a worsening of color
vision. If only one eye is affected, the patient may not notice
the loss of vision with both eyes open.
Sealing the leaking blood vessels with a thermal laser can sometimes
treat the wet form of ARMD. This may prevent further damage to the
retina, particularly if caught early. The risk vision loss due to
dry ARMD can sometimes be decreased with a vitamin and mineral supplement.
If you have noticed any changes in your central vision as described
above, see your ophthalmologist. |
Green Valley:
2598 Windmill Parkway
Southwest Las Vegas: 9100 W. Post Road Las
Pahrump office: 2120 E Calvada Blvd. Pahrump, NV – 89048-5805 Phone: 702.896.6043
Goldring Medical Center Office: 2020 Goldring Medical Plaza, Suite 401
Phone (702) 896-6043 • Toll Free (888) 425-2745 • jduncan@nee-nv.com
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