The disease I will be discussing is Macular Degeneration. Macular Degeneration is a
progressive deterioration or breakdown of the macula of the retina. Some of the symptoms and
signs of this disease may be a mild distortion of central vision. As the condition progresses the
patient may describe seeing wavy lines when you are looking at lines that are straight or seeing
spots in the visual field. This condition is usually painless , develops slowly and does not affect
the peripheral visions. In most cases both eyes are affected by Macular Degeneration , may
happen one at a time or at the same time. As the condition gets worse activities that require sharp
vision such as reading become impossible. Soon enough , the central vision may disappear
altogether. The age-related Macular Degeneration(AMD) is the most common cause of
blindness among white people in the United States.
Macular degeneration is considered to be age related ; therefore the adult is encouraged to
have regular ophthalmic examinations. Patients reporting changes in visual acuity or loss of
sharpness in central vision are scheduled for a prompt ophthalmic examination. Age , genetic
factors and continued exposure to bring light are all factors of the cause. Macular degeneration is
usually caused by degenerative changes in the pigment epithelium of the retina. Atrophic
changes in the macula constitute dry macular degeneration; this is the most common type. The
existence of abnormal fragile and hemorrhage-prone blood vessels can develop behind the
macula and convert the disease to its wet form. Hemorrhage is a possibility when the abnormal
vessels break and damage the retina.
The diagnosis of macular degeneration is made after a thorough examination with
an opthamologist. In nonexudative or dry macular degeneration, pigmentary changes are seen in
the macular area.No definitive medical cure is known; however a recent study shows that
vitamin supplements, especially vitamin C and E , beta-carotene, and zinc can help slow
deterioration of moderate dry macular degeneration. The wet form of this disease may be treated
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration