What you need to know about macular degeneration
Contributed by William F. Crosswell, M.D., Columbia Eye Clinic

William F. Crosswell, M.D., Columbia Eye Clinic

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of decreased reading vision in individuals over the age of 65 in the United States. There are two forms of this condition. The most common type is the "dry" type of macular degeneration where there is aging and thinning of the tissues in the area of the retina involved with reading vision. Visual loss is usually gradual. The "wet" form of macular degeneration results when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the retina in back of the eye. These new blood vessels can leak fluid or blood and cause blurred central vision. Vision loss may often be more rapid with this form of the condition.

According to the macular degeneration specialists at Columbia Eye Clinic, symptoms of the disease include distorted vision while reading, straight lines that appear wavy or a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.

Despite ongoing medical research, there is no cure for the "dry" form of macular degeneration. Studies have shown that nutritional supplements may help slow the progress of macular degeneration by helping to stabilize one layer of the retina called the retinal pigment epithelium.

Certain types of "wet" macular degeneration can often be treated with laser therapy or with the recently approved drugs, Avastin and Lucentis. Avastin and Lucentis have shown remarkable results in reversing the retinal findings in the "wet" type of macular degeneration with significant improvement in the reading vision.

Columbia Eye Clinic advises that if anyone notices a sudden change in the central vision in either eye, they should contact their eye care provider immediately, since the earlier this condition is detected, the better the chances for obtaining good results with treatment.

To learn more, call Columbia Eye Clinic at 779-3070 or visit columbiaeyeclinic.com.