Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a deterioration or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a small area in the retina at the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly. Macular degeneration does not result to total blindness. Even in more advanced cases, people continue to have some useful vision because mascular degeneration affects the central part of the retina and does not affect the eye's peripheral vision.

The most common cause is age-related macular degeneration. Within AMD, there are two types: atrophic dryand exudative wet.

Nutritional supplements such as antioxidant vitamins and zinc may reduce the impact of AMD in some people. Certain types of wet macular degeneration can be treated with laser surgery or photodynamic therapy. They use a focused beam of light to slow or stop leaking blood vessels that damage the macula.

Testing for Macular Degeneration via the Amsler grid:

1. Wear your reading glasses and view the grid to your left 12-15 inches away in good light.

2. Cover one eye. Look directly at the center dot.

3. While looking directly at the center dot, note whether all lines of the grid are straight or if any areas are distorted, blurred or dark.

4. Repeat the procedure with the other eye.

5. If any area of the grid looks wavy, blurred or dark, contact us immediately.
Retinal Disorders