Causes and Treatments for Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, the number one cause of blindness in the Western world, currently affects about 10 million people in the U.S. alone. Although the average age of vision loss as a result of macular degeneration is 65 (thus it’s other common name, age-related macular degeneration), the age of onset can be as young as 40. Symptoms of this disease include blurred or distorted vision and blind spots.
Macular degeneration occurs when the RPE cells, which send messages to light-sensitive cells in the macula, are damaged. Without the support of RPE cells, the macula cells die, and the retina is no longer able to function.
There are two types of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration progresses more slowly than wet, and is the most common form of this disease. About 85% of all macular degeneration cases are the dry type, in which the RPE cells gradually die out and vision loss is gradual as well. Treatment for this type of macular degeneration is typically preventative—patients must avoid smoking, and a diet high in nutrients that support macular health is recommended. Green leafy vegetables and fish oil are good for healthy eyes, as are certain vitamin supplements.
Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels form under the macula and cloud vision, causing rapid, permanent blindness. Lucentis, a drug that prevents new blood vessels from forming, became available in 2005 for treatment of wet macular degeneration. Patients who take Lucentis for 1 to 2 years are almost always able to stop the progression of this disease (96% of those who used Lucentis found that their condition did not worsen over time) and many people who took Lucentis reported that this drug actually improved their vision.
There is no cure for macular degeneration, but anyone experiencing changes in vision should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. Treatment of this disease is most successful when patients are diagnosed early before there is major damage to the macula.
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Macular degeneration occurs when the RPE cells, which send messages to light-sensitive cells in the macula, are damaged. Without the support of RPE cells, the macula cells die, and the retina is no longer able to function.
There are two types of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration progresses more slowly than wet, and is the most common form of this disease. About 85% of all macular degeneration cases are the dry type, in which the RPE cells gradually die out and vision loss is gradual as well. Treatment for this type of macular degeneration is typically preventative—patients must avoid smoking, and a diet high in nutrients that support macular health is recommended. Green leafy vegetables and fish oil are good for healthy eyes, as are certain vitamin supplements.
Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels form under the macula and cloud vision, causing rapid, permanent blindness. Lucentis, a drug that prevents new blood vessels from forming, became available in 2005 for treatment of wet macular degeneration. Patients who take Lucentis for 1 to 2 years are almost always able to stop the progression of this disease (96% of those who used Lucentis found that their condition did not worsen over time) and many people who took Lucentis reported that this drug actually improved their vision.
There is no cure for macular degeneration, but anyone experiencing changes in vision should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. Treatment of this disease is most successful when patients are diagnosed early before there is major damage to the macula.
Return to:
Additional Posts
Social security disability and low vision
Disability qualifications
Mental disability qualifications
Disability qualifications, how do you qualify medically?
Eligibility and qualifications for SSI
Qualifying for disability on the first application
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