Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in America. It results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina that is responsible for clear, sharp vision, and is located in the retina at the back of the eye.

Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form, for which there is no known treatment. Dry macular degeneration can become the wet form.  The less common wet form may respond to laser procedures or ocular injections, if diagnosed and treated early.

Some common symptoms are a gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.

If you experience any of these, contact the Vision Center immediately to schedule a comprehensive eye examination.

Central vision that is lost to macular degeneration cannot be restored. However, low vision devices such as telescopic and microscopic lenses can be prescribed to make the most out of remaining vision.  We now have an OCT, an instrument, that through laser technology can scan the deep tissues of the macula and evaluate the health of the eye.  This is an annual procedure that should be performed on patients who have any signs of macular degeneration or who have family members with this disease.

Recent research indicates certain vitamins and minerals may help prevent or slow the progression of macular degeneration. Ask Dr. Kissack about these. After age 60, an annual, comprehensive dilated eye examination is important to maintain eye health.