If you have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in Boca Raton, you may be worried about what it does and how it is treated/prevented. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in America and affects over 10 million people, more than glaucoma and cataracts combined!
It is also considered an incurable disease of the eye and is caused when the central part of the retina deteriorates. This controls our ability to drive, read, recognize faces and colors, see objects and so much more. The macula will collect all the details for an image and sends it to the brain via the optic nerve. However, when these cells start to break down, the images aren’t received properly. While early stages don’t affect vision much, as the disease progresses, you may experience blurry vision or complete blindness over time.
Types And Stages
There are two primary types of the disease, including wet and dry. Almost all cases (up to 90 percent) are considered dry while there is only about 10 to 15 percent of the wet type. Stargardt disease is also regarded as a young person’s macular degeneration and is caused by a particular recessed gene.
There are three primary stages of AMD, which can include early, intermediate and late. During the early stage, you may not notice any vision loss at all, though regular eye exams are still important to find out how fast it is progressing and what can be done.
During the intermediate stage, there could be some vision loss, but very few noticeable symptoms. You will get a comprehensive eye exam and have specific tests done to look for pigment changes and yellow deposits around the retina. During the late stage, your vision loss is very noticeable, and you may be considered legally blind.
Causes
The cause of AMD isn’t fully known right now, and the research that has been done is very limited because of insufficient funds. Causes are usually complex and include the environment and heredity. Scientists are trying to discover what causes the macula to deteriorate and are working on a cure for the disease. Stargardt disease is different and has a genetic cause.
Treatments
While there is no cure, you can consider lifestyle changes to help reduce the deterioration of your eyes. These changes can include protection from UV lights, exercise, dieting and quitting smoking.
Macular degeneration in Boca Raton is serious and incurable. However, there are many treatment options available, so visit Retinal Eyecare Associates today to learn more about how they may help you.
