Macular Degeneration is the single largest cause of central vision loss amongst Seniors.
The macula is a special part of the retina. ?The macula is responsible for ones straight-ahead or central vision. ?While the deterioration of the macula is generally found to occur with age, it tends to run in families and therefore may be inherited.
Frequently showing up as blurred or distorted vision, early signs of this deterioration of eye sight occurs when people find themselves no longer able to carryout simple activities like threading a needle, reading or driving. ?Sometimes the degeneration shows up as dark spots or areas through which one cannot see or distortions of otherwise straight lines.
There are generally two (2) types of Macular Degeneration; ???Wet? and ?Dry?.
?Wet? is found in approximately ten percent of those diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. ?Wet type involves scar tissue growing into and destroying the macula. ?It is the most serious and threatening to one?s vision and therefore requires prompt intervention to minimize vision loss.
?Dry? affects some 90% of those diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. ?Dry type is characterized by changes in the pigmentation of the macula and accumulation of deposits within it caused by oxidative stress. ??Dry is usually slow in progression and visual loss or distortion. ?However, if not diagnosed and treated, Dry can progress into Wet and result in rapid increase of the blind spots or distortions. Persons with Dry Macular Degeneration must have their condition continually monitored by their Ophthalmologist as their condition can rapidly change? sometimes overnight, ?from Dry to Wet and quickly deteriorate.
Both Wet and Dry have been shown to benefit from the taking of specially formulated vitamins. ??Wet, being more threatening, is often treated with injections directly into the eye and sometimes by laser.
Dr. Catherine Bene has more than thirty years of experience in dealing with Macular Degeneration.