Macular Degeneration: Everything You Need to Know

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects central vision, making daily activities like reading or recognizing faces difficult. Here at LUPER, we offer a complete guide to the symptoms, causes, and available treatments to improve your quality of life.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, the central area of the retina, responsible for providing clear, detailed vision. Over time, this condition can cause progressive loss of central vision, especially in people over 60, making it one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults.

See other common vision problems we treat at LUPER.

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two main types of macular degeneration, each with distinct symptoms and progression:

1. Dry Macular Degeneration

The most common form, accounting for about 80-90% of cases. It is characterized by a gradual thinning of the macula, causing blurry vision or difficulty seeing fine details. This type develops slowly and usually affects both eyes.

2. Wet Macular Degeneration

Less common but more severe. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking blood or fluid, which rapidly deteriorates vision. Wet macular degeneration requires urgent intervention to slow vision loss.

Read more about the types of macular degeneration and how to treat them.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of degeneration:

• Blurry or distorted vision in the center of the visual field.
• Difficulty seeing in low light conditions.
• Appearance of dark spots in the center of vision.
• Straight lines appearing wavy (a common symptom in wet macular degeneration).
• Difficulty distinguishing colors or recognizing faces from a distance.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get a comprehensive eye exam.

Schedule an eye exam with LUPER to detect macular degeneration early.

Causes of Macular Degeneration

The exact cause of macular degeneration is not fully known, but there are factors that increase the risk:

• Age: Primarily affects people over 60.
• Genetics: Having family members with macular degeneration increases the risk.
• Smoking: Increases the risk of macular degeneration.
• Diet high in fats and low in essential nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.
• Medical conditions: Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are risk factors.

Learn about the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on visual health.

How a Person with Macular Degeneration Sees

A person with macular degeneration often describes their vision as looking through a haze, with the central area distorted or blocked by a dark spot.

This makes it difficult to perform activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing facial details. Peripheral vision is generally not affected, so the patient can see laterally without problems.

Anticipating Macular Degeneration

At LUPER, we perform tests to anticipate macular degeneration, including:

1. Visual acuity test to measure clarity of vision.
2. Amsler grid test: Allows detection of distortions in central vision.

Schedule your eye evaluation at LUPER.

Treatment for Macular Degeneration: Options and New Therapies

Treatment depends on the type of degeneration and the stage of the disease.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Currently, there is no cure for dry macular degeneration, but antioxidant supplements can slow its progression in intermediate or advanced stages.

The AREDS formula, which includes vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, is recommended by specialists to support visual health.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Several treatment options are available to help slow vision loss:

• Anti-VEGF Injections: These medications inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina.
• Photodynamic Therapy: A laser treatment combined with medication to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
• Laser Surgery: Used in some cases to seal blood vessels causing vision loss.

Discover more about available treatments for macular degeneration.

New Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration

Research into dry macular degeneration continues, and the most recent studies in gene therapy and stem cells show promise for future therapies. Additionally, new treatments such as pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol have been developed to slow the progression in cases of advanced dry macular degeneration.

Explore more about new treatments for macular degeneration.

Can Macular Degeneration Be Slowed? Tips for Better Visual Health

While there is no cure, certain practices can help slow the progression of macular degeneration:

• Maintain a diet rich in antioxidants, including leafy green vegetables, fruits, and fish.
• Do not smoke and reduce alcohol consumption.
• Use UV protection to prevent sun damage to the eyes.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight to reduce eye pressure.

Read our tips for preventing macular degeneration.

Life with Macular Degeneration: Resources and Aids

Central vision loss can make daily activities difficult, but resources and aids are available to improve quality of life:

• Special glasses and magnifiers: Help to see fine details and improve vision in low light conditions.
• Low vision devices: Lenses and magnification devices that enhance central vision.
• Vision Therapy: Helps learn to leverage peripheral vision to perform daily activities.

Learn more about our aids for low vision at LUPER.

Care for Your Vision with LUPER's Support

Macular degeneration is a serious condition that can significantly affect quality of life, but with early detection and proper treatment, it is possible to improve visual health.

At LUPER, we are committed to providing the best solutions to help you maintain optimal vision.

Contact us for more information.