Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in older Americans. There are two types: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is diagnosed when drusen (deposits) accumulate under the retina. This causes the vision to dim or be distorted. Most people notice this more when they read. In the advanced stages, the loss of the central vision can occur.
Sometimes, drusen can lead to the development of new blood vessels under the retina. These new blood vessels leak fluid and blood under the retina. If this leakage occurs in the center of the retina, or macula, our vision becomes blurry, this is known as wet macular degeneration.
Although only about 10% of people with macular degeneration develop the wet form, they make up the majority of those who experience serious vision loss from the disease. It is very important for people with macular degeneration to monitor their eyesight carefully and see their ophthalmologist on a regular basis.
We can treat dry macular degeneration with special vitamins to help prevent the development of wet macular degeneration. We have four options with which to treat wet macular degeneration:
These are the most up-to-date treatments available today.
