Macular Degeneration, or Age-Related Maculopathy, is the condition that can cause a loss of detailed vision for people over the age of 55. In this disease, the center of the retina deteriorates. The rest of the retina remains healthy. Because of this, side (peripheral) vision remains normal, but central vision is lost.
Central vision gives us the ability to read, recognize faces and perform detailed tasks. People with macular degeneration have difficulties with these activities. Despite this, macular degeneration does not cause total blindness. People with this condition are still able to see well enough to walk, cook, clean and care for themselves.
No one is certain why macular degeneration develops. Different doctors have theories about ways to prevent it or slow its progress, but these ideas are not accepted by all experts. There is some evidence that the disease can be made worse because of certain nutritional deficiencies. Because of this, some doctors prescribe vitamins that contain zinc, selenium, and anti-oxidants, such as Viatamin E to help protect against these deficiencies. Some doctors believe that ultraviolet (UV) light makes macular degeneration worse. They prescribe special filters in glasses and sunglasses that protect the eye from these light rays from the sun.
There are different types of age-related maculopathy. Some types cannot be treated at all. Other types will respond to treatment with LASER. The laser is a special type of light that can be used to treat a variety of different eye diseases. In macular degeneration, it is used to seal abnormal blood vessels underneath the retina.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996