Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (MD) is a progressive disease and a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in ageing Australians. It affects 1 in 7 people over 50 (Macular Degeneration Foundation 2008).

In this article:

• Macular Degeneration causes
• Macular Degeneration signs & symptoms
• Macular Degeneration risk factors
• Macular Degeneration diagnosis
• Macular Degeneration treatment & management
• Macular Degeneration prevention

What causes Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration causes breakdown or thinning of the macular tissue. The macula is a small part of the retina responsible for central vision.

Loss of central vision affects our ability to attend to fine detail, read, drive and recognise faces. Peripheral or side vision remains intact. Macular degeneration can occur in one or both eyes.

There are two forms of macular degeneration: Dry MD and Wet MD.

• Dry macular degeneration happens slowly and is commonly seen in people over 60. The retina becomes damaged as deposits known as drusen form under the macula (central part of the retina). It does not cause any pain and in the early stages there can be no symptoms. There is no cure for dry macular degeneration but if detected early some vision may be able to be saved. A person with Dry MD can develop Wet MD.
   
• Wet macular degeneration results in sudden and rapid vision loss when blood vessels behind the retina start to grow. A build up of blood or fluid can lead to scarring, damage to the retina and sudden loss of vision. Wet MD can cause severe and rapid loss of central vision. A person should seek medical treatment immediately.
   

Macular Degeneration signs & symptoms

Many people don't realise they have a problem until significant damage has occurred. Others may wrongly accept the changes as a sign of normal ageing.

Early signs of macular degeneration include needing more light, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty reading and blurred vision. Symptoms may occur in one or both eyes.

See your eye specialist promptly if you experience any of these signs:

• Problems with reading, sewing or tasks associated with close central vision
• Dark spot or area in centre vision
• Straight lines may appear wavy or distorted
• Difficulty recognising faces
• Needing more light
• Problems driving
• Difficulty distinguishing colours
   

Macular Degeneration risk factors

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in ageing people.
Risk factors for macular degeneration include:

• Increasing age especially over 50
• Smoking
• Family history
   

Macular Degeneration diagnosis

If you notice any changes in vision see your doctor or optometrist as early as possible. An optometrist can perform a number of tests to examine the macula and pick up early stages of macular degeneration.

Your doctor or optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) if they suspect you have macular degeneration. An ophthalmologist will diagnose macular degeneration.

An Amsler Grid is a chart used to detect changes. It looks much like graph paper and is used to monitor macular degeneration or the progression of Dry MD to Wet MD.

Ask an eye professional how to use an Amsler Grid correctly. If you have Dry MD report any changes immediately to your ophthalmologist. Dry MD can become Wet MD suddenly causing loss of vision.

You can download an Amsler Grid from The Macular Degeneration Foundation.
 

Macular Degeneration treatment & management

Damage caused by dry macular degeneration cannot be reversed. Although vision will be impaired it will not cause complete blindness. Management focuses on helping a person adapt to problems of low vision by using low vision aids and possibly training to remain independent in the home.

People with Dry MD need to monitor for changes in vision with an Amsler Grid. Changes should be reported to a medical professional immediately to help prevent further damage.

Some types of macular degeneration can be treated. Laser therapy has been used with Wet MD and other drug and surgical procedures are being tested. Treatment options are best discussed with an eye specialist.
 

Macular Degeneration prevention

Research is looking into how diet and lifestyle changes can help protect or slow down the progression of macular degeneration. The Macular Degeneration Foundation suggest you can start by:

•  Quit smoking
•  Having your eyes (and macular) checked regularly
•  Eating a nutritious diet high in fruit and dark green leafy vegetables and nuts
•  Increasing your intake of fish, up to 3 times a week
•  Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly
•  Protect your eyes from exposure to sunlight from an early age by wearing Australian standard sunglasses
•  Ask your doctor about taking zinc and antioxidants
•  Always consult your doctor before making changes to your diet or taking supplements

Source, The Macular Degeneration Foundation 2008
 

Helpful resources

• Learn more about macular degeneration and treatment options by visiting The Macular Degeneration Foundation. Call the support line on 1800 111 709.

Related articles

• Low vision aids and adaptive technology
• Helping someone at home with low vision

References
Macular Degeneration Foundation 2008
What is Macular Degeneration?
Accessed 28/07/08

Optometrist Association Australia 2008
Aged-related macular degeneration
Accessed 28/07/08