Macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is an age-related condition that leads to vision loss as a result of deterioration in a specific part of the retina known as the macula. The retina is the light-sensing tissue that lines the inside back part of the eye. The macula is the only area of the retina that is able to make out fine details and thereby facilitate reading and driving vision. As such, when the macula does not function correctly, your central vision can become blurry, distorted, or compromised by dark spots.
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in Americans 65. Although there is no cure, seeing an ophthalmologist at Retina Specialty Institute regularly can help you catch the condition as it develops and thus take steps toward treating it.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Dry Macular Degeneration
The retina controls central vision and enables you to see details clearly. Dry macular degeneration is the more common form of AMD and causes the macular tissue to thin, resulting in blurred vision. This type of AMD typically affects both eyes.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is not as common as dry AMD, but the condition progresses faster and can lead to more serious vision loss. This condition occurs when new abnormal blood vessels begin to grow under the retina and leak fluid and blood into the macula, which may cause permanent damage and loss of central vision.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
The exact cause of macular degeneration is still unknown, but aging, genetics, smoking, and cardiovascular disease are contributing factors to developing this form of vision loss. The most common symptoms of macular degeneration include:
- Difficulty reading in low-lighted areas
- Increased blurriness of words
- Formation of a blind spot in the center of your vision
- Decreased brightness of colors
See an Ophthalmologist Today
Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, if an ophthalmologist diagnoses you early, there are treatments available. Our skilled ophthalmologists at Retina Specialty Institute specialize in vision and retina care. We would be happy to treat you in one of our many state-of-the-art offices. Additionally, we offer different ongoing macular degeneration clinical trials for dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration that you may be interested in.
Learn more about these clinical trials and our various macular degeneration treatment options by contacting RSI today. Our ophthalmologists and staff aim to provide you with the best vision care and we serve many communities, such as: Pensacola, Panama City, Biloxi, Mobile, Fairhope, Foley, and more!
