Guide To Macular Degeneration

There is no doubt that age related macular degeneration is one of the most common reasons for loss of eyesight in those over the age of 50. As we get older, the macular part of the eye begins to break down. The macular is a central part of the retina and it is here that the fine detailed vision we so often take for granted is provided to us. When the macular begins to degenerate, blurred vision is common as is distorted vision of all kinds. It will almost always lead to partial or complete blindness if left untreated so getting help as soon as possible is absolutely crucial. There are two types of age related macular degeneration. Dry AMD is the most common type and this is the less serious of the two. This occurs when the light sensitive cells in the macular break down leading to blurred vision. The effects of dry AMD develop very slowly. At first perhaps some occasional blurred or double vision will occur. This gets worse over time as the condition develops and worsens. The much less common type of AMD is known as wet macular degeneration. This occurs when the blood vessels in the eye start to grow abnormally. The result of the abnormal growth is leaking and this leaking forces the retina away from the eye wall. A slowly detaching retina can cause severe sight impairment and eventually the person will go blind if the problem cannot be rectified.