More about Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is diagnosed as one of two forms: 1) dry, which is more common, or 2) wet, which is a more serious and potentially damaging form of the disease.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is an early stage of the disease. Of those patients diagnosed with macular degeneration, about 85 to 90 percent are diagnosed with the dry form. Dry AMD is detected as yellow spots, called drusen, which accumulate from the debris of deteriorating tissue around the macula. This accumulation of tissue eventually creates a dark spot in the center of the image the eyes see.
While there is no FDA-approved treatment for dry AMD, research seems to indicate that certain nutrients (vitamins A, C, E, zinc and lutin) may help prevent macular degeneration or slow its rate of progress. Because these vitamins are usually taken in higher doses, you should seek the advice of your ophthalmologist.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is the more advanced and damaging form of the disease. In this form of AMD, new, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid and blood, causing permanent damage to retinal cells.
Wet AMD is further classified as one of two general forms – classic or occult. Classic wet AMD is characterized by well-delineated outlines created by blood vessel growth and scarring. This form usually results in more severe vision loss. In the occult form, blood vessel growth and leakage beneath the retina are less pronounced.
Treatment
Presently, there is no cure; however, multiple treatment options can improve vision in some cases and stablize vision in most cases.
As mentioned elsewhere, certain risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and inactivity) can be minimized by the patient. Nutritional supplements may also be advised.
Because vision loss due to macular degeneration is permanent, low vision devices such as magnifying lenses and bright lights provide some improvement. In addition, special low vision devices are available, and with training an AMD patient can learn to adjust.