Macular Degeneration Eye Disease

Macular Degeneration is a very common eye disease of the elderly. The macula is the central area of the retina, which controls central, color, and sharp vision. With time, it slowly degenerates. In approximately 10% of individuals, it causes extreme visual loss where the patient will experience a central blind spot, although the peripheral vision is well preserved. It has been said that macular degeneration increases with exposure to sunlight uv radiation as well as increasing age, tobacco use, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The majority of symptoms include a sensation of "waviness" and distortion of images as well as a central blind spot. Again, the peripheral vision is normal. The treatment is palliative at this time. A daily multivitamin with essential minerals (Vitamins A, C, and E, Selenium, and Zinc) may offer some protection of the macular region. In addition, sunglasses and cessation of smoking are helpful. If the macular degeneration causes bleeding and leakage of fluid under the retina, laser therapy is an option to protect the remainder of the macula.