Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a term that you have probably heard, although you may not know exactly what it means. Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the macula (the central part of the retina).

The retina gathers images in the inner back layer of the eye and sends them to the brain through the optic nerve. The macula directs all our central vision which affects our ability to see fine details. If the macula becomes damaged, all daily activities are difficult including reading, identifying faces, and driving.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been the leading cause of vision loss in up to 10 million adults in the United States – even more than glaucoma and cataracts combined.

Eye Care Associates of Bethany in Bethany, Oklahoma, can provide expert treatment for all stages and types of macular degeneration. Although macular degeneration is incurable, the progression can be delayed with appropriate treatment if caught early enough.

Macular degeneration can be either wet (exudative) or dry (atrophic). Dry AMD comprises approximately 85% to 90% of all cases. The remaining 10% to 15% are wet AMD.

The early stage of AMD is dry, usually caused by thinning macular tissue due to aging or pigment deposits on the macula. Leaking blood and fluids from blood vessels under the retina cause wet AMD.