Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, known as the Macula.

Macular  Degeneration

Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, known as the Macula. The Macula is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older in the United States

Macular degeneration affects more than 10 million Americans.

Two Types of Macular Degeneration:
1- Dry Macular Degeneration
2- Wet Macular Degeneration

1- Dry Macular Degeneration:

1- Dry Macular Degeneration:

- 85% to 90% of the cases of macular degeneration
- Thinning and drying out of the macula, causing the macula to lose its function
- Progress slower than the "wet" type
- A certain percentage of the "dry" type of macular degeneration turns to "wet"

-Treatment:
AREDS Multivitamins (High dose Multivitamins)

2- Wet AMD:

2- Wet AMD:

Abnormal blood vessels (known as choroidal neovascularization) grow under the retina and macula. These new blood vessels may then bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up, thus distorting or destroying central vision.
- 10-15% of the cases of macular degeneration are the "wet" (exudative) type.
- Vision loss may be rapid and severe.

- Treatment options:
o Photodynamic Laser Therapy with VisudyneTM
o Laser Photocoagulation Therapy
o VEGF Inhibitors: - Macugen, Lucentis, Avastin
o Macular Translocation