What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a condition that an eye doctor in Miami will see quite often. This condition is the main reason people over 60 years of age experience vision loss. The exact reason this happens is because the macula, also known as the very center portion of a person’s retina, begins to deteriorate over time. Most people who deal with this condition don’t experience complete blindness, but they will experience some sort of vision loss that can reduce their quality of life. The majority of people who deal with this condition are elderly, which is why it’s also referred to as age-related macular degeneration. A Miami Beach eye doctor will have no problem explaining more about this condition to their patients, especially those who are at risk of developing it.

Different Forms of Macular Degeneration

When it comes to this particular condition, there are two main types that affect people. They are known as the dry and wet forms of macular degeneration. Here are the main differences between the two types that a Miami eye doctor will explain to their patient:

• The dry form of macular degeneration is characterized by yellow deposits, known as “drusen”, that are present in the macula. Small amounts of drusen are not going to be a problem for most people, but when they start increasing in numbers, people will often experience problems when they are reading or performing other visual tasks. 
• The wet form of macular degeneration is most notable by the choroid, located underneath the macula, developing an abnormal amount of blood vessels. The abnormal vessels can sometimes bleed and cause scarring to the macula, which will result in vision loss over time. 
• People with either condition need to be sure they are being examined regularly and taking the necessary precautions to preserve their sight. In some cases, people with macular degeneration will need to be prescribed glasses by their doctor in Miami Beach to correct their vision problem. 

What You Can Do to Halt the Development of Macular Degeneration

For those who are starting to get older but have not developed this condition yet, eating the right foods is important. Ensuring that the eye has all of the vitamins and nutrients it needs to remain healthy is the best thing a person can do to prevent from developing macular degeneration. In addition to eating the right type of foods, people can also take supplements to provide their eyes with what they need. While many older people experience this condition, it’s not guaranteed and many people make it through their entire life without ever having a visual problem.

 
photo credit: Brandon Koger Super Macro via photopin (license)