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Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration occurs when the cells
of the macula become damaged and stop working. This can occasional
happen at any age but more commonly in older people. This condition
is then called age related macular degeneration or AMD.
Age related Macular Degeneration is the
most common cause of bad sight in people over 60, but it rarely
leads to complete loss of vision as it affects the macula which
is situated at the centre of the retina at the back of the eye,
so that only central vision, and not peripheral vision, is lost.
There are two types of AMD, called wet
macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration.
The most common type is dry AMD and occurs
in about 90% of instances of AMD. Some of the cells stop working
and gradual loss of colour or central vision occur in the central
field of vision.
Wet AMD occurs when there is a build up
of fluid under the retina. It accounts for about 10% of cases.
It causes bleeding and scarring and can develop swiftly. However
it can be treated with lasers if caught in the early stages.
Age related Macular Degeneration will usually
occur in both eyes, although one eye may become affected earlier
than the other.
If you suspect that you may have AMD in
one or both eyes, you must see an optometrist as soon as possible
as early treatment in the case of wet AMD is
advisable.
Unfortunately glasses or stronger glasses
will not improve your vision where it has been affected by AMD.
Please
see our section on eye health and particularly the section on Lutein
and zeaxanthin.
Other articles of interest on the Glasses2you web site:
A
brief history of spectacles | Designer
glasses | Glasses
| Glasses Direct
| Glasses
for computer work | Guide
to buying glasses online | Reading
Glasses
|
