At this time, the recommendations for patients with dry macular degeneration revolve around nutrition and vitamin supplementation. Supplements may help to prevent progression of dry macular degeneration, as discussed in other questions in this book....
My doctor told me I have dry macular degeneration, but my eyes are always tearing. Does this mean I actually have wet macular degeneration? The “dry” refers to the type of macular degeneration, not the...
An Amsler grid is helpful at detecting changes in one’s central vision. The grid consists of a square with a pattern of smaller squares contained within it. It is designed to be held a comfortable...
The best way to monitor changes in macular degeneration is to establish a regular schedule of checking your central vision. A regular schedule can vary depending upon one’s comfort level. A typical schedule is to...
Dry macular degeneration tends to be a slowly progressive disease, with subtle changes occurring over time. These changes may be noticed by the patient with gradually decreasing vision. Patients may also recognize these changes due...
I Understand That New Medicines Are Available To Treat Wet Macular Degeneration. Will These Medicines Also Help My Dry Macular Degeneration? Anti-VEGF agents, such as Lucentis (ranibizumab) or Avastin (bevacizumab), address the new blood vessel...
The damage that occurs from macular degeneration is to the retina. Damage to the retina is not correctable by changes in glasses. Glasses correct for various refractive errors such as being nearsighted, farsighted, or having...
Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina. The retina is in the back of the eye, and the best method of examining the back of the eye is with a dilated retinal examination. Enlargement...
While more advanced stages of dry macular degeneration can still be asymptomatic, this tends not to be the case. Patients often complain of blurring or distortion, which can affect their daily activities. Because many of...
In the early stages of dry macular degeneration, patients are often asymptomatic. The earliest findings in dry macular degeneration, drusen and mild break-down of the layer underneath the retina (the retinal pigment epithelium), often go...
My ophthalmologist told me I have a number of drusen in my retina. What are drusen, and how do they relate to macular degeneration? Drusen are yellow deposits in the layer under the retina. They...
Dry macular degeneration is diagnosed by your eye care provider based on a dilated examination of your retina. A number of characteristic findings can be seen. These include drusen, changes in the layer underneath the...
Dry macular degeneration is a disease of the macula in which the cells in the macula gradually break down, often leading to some degree of visual loss. Dry macular degeneration is by far the more...
The general consensus is that cataracts and macular degeneration are not related and that they develop independently of one another. Numerous studies have looked at both, and the majority of these studies have not shown...
Certain risk factors may be affected by lifestyle changes. The most obvious one is discontinuing smoking, when applicable. Discontinuing smoking can show benefits almost immediately, with a decrease in the risk of developing wet macular...
Both parents having macular degeneration is not a guarantee that you will have it; however, there is clearly a hereditary component to macular degeneration. Recent research has found that variants of different genes are present...
I have a family history of macular degeneration. Is there anything I can do to avoid getting it myself? Although there is clearly a hereditary component to macular degeneration, having a family history does not...
Studies show that Whites are more likely to lose vision from age-related macular degeneration than are individuals of other races. Although macular degeneration is more common in Whites, it does occur in all races.
Smoking is clearly a risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration. It appears that smoking not only increases risk of developing macular degeneration, it also promotes its progression. In addition, smoking influences many...
While many studies suggest women are more likely to get macular degeneration than men, gender remains an inconsistent risk factor. When the largest studies of age-related macular degeneration are reviewed and all of the results...
The exact causes of age-related macular degeneration are not known. Researchers and clinicians believe that the causes of macular degeneration are multifactorial, meaning there are a number of different factors that may contribute to the...
The most important risk factor for age-related macular degeneration is age. Although macular degeneration can occur in patients younger than 50 years of age, it is uncommon. Numerous studies show that people over the age...
Many patients who develop macular degeneration also experience depression. The depression is a normal response to the fear of their current lifestyle being dramatically impacted. They are afraid they will experience a loss of independence,...
Yes. In the age of the Internet, the majority of organizations that provide information and/or support for macular degeneration patients also have Web sites. These organizations and their Web sites include, but are not limited...
State Commissions for the Blind provide a wide range of social and rehabilitation services to legally blind residents of all ages. Services are available based on an individual’s needs and interests and are provided free...