Macular Degeneration

What is macular degeneration?

Your macula is the central part of your retina that processes what you see directly in front of you. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that damages your macula. The condition interferes with your ability to see details and eventually progresses to a blind spot in your central vision and complete vision loss.

There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry. Dry macular degeneration is the more prevalent form of the disease. As you age, your macula thins and clumps of protein deposits called drusen form on your retina. Dry macular degeneration usually progresses gradually, and your central vision eventually blurs and goes dark.

Wet macular degeneration, although much less common, comprising only between 10-15% of macular degeneration diagnosis, causes the rapid destruction of vision within weeks of onset.

Wet macular degeneration develops when abnormal blood vessels grow on your retina and leak fluid, which damages your eye.

What are the early warning signs of macular degeneration?

You may not have any symptoms in the early stages of macular degeneration. However, as the disease progresses, your central vision will become blurry.

Lines look wavy and colors look faded. Having routine eye exams is the best way to monitor your eye health for signs of macular degeneration, so you can start treatment as early as possible to preserve your vision.

What causes macular degeneration?

Your risk of developing macular degeneration is higher if you have a family member who has the condition. Other factors that contribute to macular degeneration include:

• Your age
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• A high-fat diet
• Ethnicity

Dr. Bragin finds macular degeneration most often in patients over the age of 50.

How is macular degeneration treated?

There is no cure for macular degeneration. However, Dr. Bragin can provide treatment to slow the progression of your disease. For example, if you have dry macular degeneration, Dr. Bragin may recommend supplements, including:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin
• Zinc
• Copper

If you have wet macular degeneration, this can be treated with anti-VEGF drugs to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels on your retina and stop any existing blood vessels from leaking fluid.

Depending on your condition, Dr. Bragin may also suggest laser surgery for wet macular degeneration and he collaborates with retinal specialists to provide the best possible care.

If you have a family history of macular degeneration, make sure to have regular comprehensive eye exams, so Dr. Bragin can monitor your eye health. Schedule your next eye exam by calling Dr. Bragin or using the online booking tool.