Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye condition associated with ageing where the macula - the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail - gradually deteriorates, affecting sharpness of vision. When this happens it can lead to difficulty reading and the need to give up driving. Some people even notice distortion to their vision.

Most people over 70 years of age have some macular degeneration. The risk of developing macular degeneration is also higher in people with a family history of the condition, those with certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes) and in smokers.

The frequency of this condition increases with age.

Symptoms

Macular degeneration tends to progress slowly and usually involves blurring in the central vision - peripheral vision is not affected. Sometimes vision may become distorted, with straight lines appearing crooked. There are two types of macular degeneration, the common one progresses very slowly. Your side vision is never affected in this disease, only the central vision.

Treatment

While macular degeneration may cause problems with vision, it rarely leads to total blindness. However, regular eye examinations with your Visique optometrist can enable you to make the most of your vision. Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina - inside your eye. It can be picked up in an eye test by your Visique optometrist. Recently there have been great advances in our knowledge and understanding of macular degeneration, and there are new treatments available to treat and prevent this devastating disease.

Video: Macular Degeneration