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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that gradually destroys sharp central vision. It occurs in two formswet and dry. Although they may still have some vision, individuals afflicted with more advanced forms of the disease are often considered legally blind because their central vision is too blurred to accomplish tasks such as driving or reading. AMD, in either form, causes no pain.
Dry and Wet CharacteristicsDry macular degeneration occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula break down, causing blurred central vision. The macula is located on the retina, the light-sensitive region at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical impulses. Dry AMD is the more common form of the disease. In addition to blurring, another early signal of the disease is the presence of drusen. These yellow deposits under the retina do not cause AMD, however their presence indicates a greater chance of developing advanced dry of wet AMD. Dry AMD has three stages, characterized by an increasing number of drusen in each as well as worsening of vision. Advanced AMD is characterized by a breakdown of light-sensitive cells in tissue surrounding the retina.
The growth of abnormal blood vessels behind the retina and under the macula causes wet AMD. Often, these blood vessels are fragile, leaking blood and fluid. Damage occurs quickly as blood and fluid cause the macula to be raised from its normal place within the eye. Unlike dry AMD, there are no stages of progression with wet AMD.Seeing wavy lines are an early symptom of wet AMD. A small blind spot, obstructing central vision, may also rapidly occur.
Causes and Risk FactorsThe exact cause of AMD is unknown. The condition develops, however, as the eye ages. AMD is found most frequently in individuals over 60 years of age, although it can occur earlier. A family history of AMD also increases risk. Other factors that increase the risk of AMD are being Caucasian and female, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
DetectionA comprehensive eye exam that includes visual acuity, dilation and tonometry can detect AMD.
What else can I help you with?
Can you drive when you have wet macular degeneration?
Driving with wet macular degeneration can be challenging and may not be safe, as this condition affects central vision, which is crucial for tasks like reading road signs and recognizing pedestrians. Individuals with wet macular degeneration should consult with an eye care professional to assess their vision and determine if they meet the necessary visual acuity standards for driving. Regular eye exams and monitoring of the condition are essential for making informed decisions about driving safety.
What do you call a common visual impairment in older people that is caused by damage to the central fovea?
A common visual impairment in older people that is caused by damage to the central fovea is macular degeneration. There are two types of macular degeneration, dry and wet.
What is the yellowish region on the retina lateral to the optic disc?
The yellowish region on the retina lateral to the optic disc is known as the macula. This area is responsible for central vision and contains a high concentration of cone cells for color vision and detailed visual acuity. Damage or degeneration of the macula can lead to conditions such as macular degeneration.
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Macular Degeneration or Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition that blurs central vision. This happens when the macula, which is the portion of the eye responsible for clear & sharp vision gets damaged due to aging or other factors. AMD is a common & leading cause of vision impairment in older adults. Although it may not cause blindness, it can affect your ability to read, see faces, drive, and do work like cooking or fixing things around your house. The speed of degeneration varies & can occur very slowly in some people, and much faster in others. Early AMD may not cause vision loss. It is important to have regular eye examinations to determine if you have AMD. Sanjeevan Netralaya has treated thousands of patients with Macular Degeneration effectively with Advanced Ayurvedic Treatment that causes absolutely no side effects.
What You Should Know About Macular Degeneration?
For many people, macular degeneration is a natural consequence of aging. Macular degeneration refers to the gradual decline in vision quality, specifically, in the center of the field of vision (called the macula), and occurs as a result of damage to the retina. About 10 percent of people aged 66 to 74 experience macular degeneration, and for people over 75 years old, this proportion increases to over 30 percent. Macular degeneration can come in one of two forms: "wet" and "dry." Each type is characterized by a different form of damage leading to the loss of vision.Dry macular degeneration is caused by damage to the cells beneath the retina, which can kill the rod and cone cells that receive visual information. Unfortunately, no treatment seems to be effective in preventing the death of these cells. However, certain antioxidants can help slow down this process, and in some cases, even slightly improve vision.Wet macular degeneration is caused by the swelling of certain blood vessels, which creates a leakage of blood and proteins into the macular area. The bleeding and scarring process damages the rod and cone cells, and, if left untreated, can cause rapid damage to vision, unlike the slow progress of dry macular degeneration. This form of the disease can be treated by the direct injection of drugs called anti-angiogenics into the eye. These drugs prevent the growth of blood vessels, so they allow the swollen vessels to retract, and the eye to heal. However, only about 10 percent of all macular degeneration cases are wet, so a cure for most cases has yet to be foundWhile macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, there are some symptoms that it is generally associated with. These can include: blurred vision, a decrease in visual acuity, seeing shadows or blind spots in part of the visual field, an increase in peripheral vision (in the wet form), and distorted vision, specifically with regards to seeing straight lines as wavy. Since only about 2 percent of the visual field consists of the macula, most vision is still retained, but the macula is important to sight (for example, it's essential for reading) so consulting an ophthalmologist is crucial if visual changes are noted.
Is there an eye disease know as macular degeneration?
Yes, macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects the macula, a small area in the retina that is responsible for central vision. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, leading to difficulties with activities like reading and recognizing faces. There are two types: dry macular degeneration, which progresses slowly; and wet macular degeneration, which can progress quickly and lead to severe vision loss.
Can a person have both wet and dry macular degeneration at the same time?
In the U.S. legal blindness is defined as:1) 20/200 best corrected vision in the better eye or2) a visual field of less than 20 degrees.There are so many different degrees of vision loss with macular degeneration. One person can have very early signs of it, such as macular drusen found during an exam and not have any visual symptoms. Another person can have severe vision loss with a big black or gray smudge right in the middle of whatever they are looking at.
Would macular degeneration be considered legally blind?
It depends what stage you are in. Early dry AMD patients sometimes have 20/20 vision. However, late stage wet AMD sufferers, for instance, could certainly be deemed legally blind. Though AMD patients often sustain their peripheral vision, as the disease progresses, legal blindness due to AMD is a reality. Learn about the progression in the related link.
What is wet macular degeneration and it's treatments?
Wet macular degeneration is damage to the retina caused by excessive growth of small blood vessels which then leak and cause swelling. It leads to loss of vision in the center of the visual field. It can be treated with drugs to prevent the abnormal blood vessel growth or in a few cases with a type of laser surgery to remove them.
What is visual acuity?
The ability to see clearly is called visual acuity
Is there a scale for visual acuity?
the scale of the visual acuity is snelle chat
Do wavy lines seen on the Amsler grid differentiate dry from wet macular degeneration?
Amsler GridAmsler grid, used since 1945, is a grid of horizontal and vertical lines used to monitor a person's central visual field. The grid was developed by Marc Amsler, a Swiss ophthalmologist. It is a diagnostic tool that aids in the detection of visual disturbances caused by changes in the retina, particularly the macula (e.g. macular degeneration, Epiretinal membrane), as well as the optic nerve and the visual pathway to the brain.
