Summary

The retina is a clear tissue that lines the back of the eye. The retina sends an electrical signal to the brain when light falls on it. The central most portion of the retina is called the macula. The macula is responsible for seeing small detail and colour. In macular degeneration this central area begins to die and stops sending electrical signals to the brain. As a result people with this condition see well in their side vision but can have poor straight ahead vision. It is thought sunglasses and good nutrition might be helpful in slowing the progression of the condition.

Detailed Explanation

Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent blindness in people over age 55. The exact cause is unknown, but the incidence increases with each decade over age 50. Other associations besides age include race (usually Caucasian), sex (slight female predominance), family history and a history of cigarette smoking.

Macular degeneration is the physical disturbance of the center of the retina called the macular. The macular, which is about the size of the capital letter"O" in this sentence, is part of the retina, which is capable of our most acute and detailed vision. We use the macular for reading, driving, recognising faces, watching television and fine work.

The disease includes a broad spectrum of clinical and pathologic findings that can be classified into two groups: nonexudative ("dry") and exudative ("wet"). Although both types are progressive and usually bilateral, they differ in their manifestations, prognosis and management. The more severe exudative form accounts for approximately 90% of all cases of legal blindness due to age related macular degeneration. (Legal blindness means that a person can see 20/200 less with eyeglass.)

Early detection is important because a patient destined to develop macular degeneration can sometimes be treated before symptoms appear, and this may reduce the severity of the disease. Furthermore, as better treatment for macular degeneration is developed, whether they are medical, surgical, or low vision aids, those patients diagnosed with macular degeneration can sooner benefit from them.

At this time there is no known cure for macular degeneration. Today, there are ways to arrest macular degeneration, depending on the type and degree of the condition. These range from nutritional intervention to laser surgery of the blood vessels. Low vision aids and techniques for maximising the use of peripheral vision help patients adapt better to their loss of central vision.