It is the most common cause of loss of central vision in people over 50. Aging alone does not always result in this type of vision loss, but it occurs most frequently in older people.

The macula is the center of the retina. The retina is the light sensitive tissue that lines the inside wall of the eye. The retina is similar to the film in a camera. It is the part of the eye that actually does the job of seeing and sending visual impressions to the brain.

Macular degeneration causes the deterioration of the macula. This condition does not, however, affect the peripheral retina. Therefore, peripheral vision (side vision) remains intact. NO ONE goes totally blind from the condition of macular degeneration - only central vision is lost. A person whose side vision is intact can still walk and move around without assistance.

There are two forms of Macular Degeneration. The first and most common is Involutional Macular Degeneration (also known as the DRY variety).

This form results in a very slow, gradual loss of central vision. The second form is Exudative Macular Degeneration. It occurs in a small minority of patients and results in a more rapid loss of central vision.

Involutional Macular Degeneration is caused by a breakdown or thinning of the tissue of the macula. Exudative Macular Degeneration also results in the wasting away of tissue, but is called exudative because membranes consisting of blood vessels grow beneath the retina. This membrane tissue can leak blood or fluid (exudation) and may cause a large scar in the macula.

Involutional Macular Degeneration has no proven treatment. Zinc and other vitamins may be helpful. (Ask our staff for more information.) Using the eyes more or using them less will not alter the course of this condition.

Exudative Macular Degeneration can sometimes be treated with the laser. Laser treatment requires that the condition be diagnosed in its early stages, when the membranes are newly formed. At this time, the affected area is small and well contained and it can be treated with the laser. Once the membrane has grown, laser treatment is no longer an option. Laser treatment destroys the membrane and overlying retina. Treating a large membrane would result in destroying a large area of the retina. Also because of the affect on the tissue, laser treatment is not a choice for the very center of the macula; the laser would damage central vision as it destroys the unwanted membrane. A small blind spot is created when treating the retina with the laser, but this is a small sacrifice if the degeneration can be halted.

Successful treatment of Macular Degeneration depends on early detection of the disease. The Amsler Grid plays a key role in early detection.

Macular Degeneration patients should check their own vision daily by using the Amsler Grid. Use the grid at reading distance, looking directly at the center spot and straight ahead with one eye only, then alternate eyes. Patients who wear glasses should wear them while doing this test. If any major changes are noticed such as blurring, distortion of lines or boxes missing from the grid, the patient needs to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Fluorescein angiography is a specialized test used to help diagnose Macular Degeneration. Fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in the arm or hand. As the dye travels through the body and into the vessels in the eye, photographs are taken with a special camera. Damaged areas are pinpointed because they leak dye. These leaking areas of the retina need laser treatment. After the laser treatment, angiography is also used to determine if the treatment was successful. Fluorescein dye is harmless to most patients, less than 1% of patients may have an allergic reaction to the dye. Prior to testing, patients should tell their doctor if they have any allergies or are pregnant.

If you are over 50 years of age or if your family has a history of retinal problems, you should have your eyes checked regularly.

Remember: Early detection and treatment may help to prevent additional vision loss.

If you have already lost some of your vision because of Macular Degeneration or any other eye disease, there are low vision aids that may help you see better with the vision you have. The doctor will help you determine which of these aids is best for you. A few low vision aids available include: magnifying glasses, strong bifocals, eyeglasses with telescopic lenses, magnifying television screens, and talking books (available through your local library).

If you are legally blind, there are extra tax deductions available, such as an increased Homestead Exemption and free use of telephone information (411). The Division of Blind Services can give you a complete list of the financial benefits and services available. Their toll-free telephone number is 1-800-342-1828.