San Antonio — An Air Force team’s innovative approach to treating age-related macular degeneration could reduce blindness among service members. The 59th Medical Wing has helped develop an anti-macular degeneration treatment which could save the Air Force $990 per unit dose.

As early and intermediate stages of AMD often go undetected, regular eye exams with an Amsler grid to detect changes in vision is recommended. Your eye care provider will also administer drops to widen (dilate) your pupils before taking photos of both retina and macula areas.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration (AMD), also referred to as Macular Atrophy (MA), refers to the breakdown of the macula; that part of our retina that allows for fine detail vision as well as straight ahead sight; it allows us to drive, read and recognize faces thanks to it. There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration; dry age-related macular degeneration and wet age-related macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is usually the earlier form, and occurs when damage begins in the central portion of your retina known as the macula, often manifested by yellow deposits called drusen deposits on its surface. Symptoms associated with dry age-related macular degeneration include blurriness in central vision as well as distortion or waviness to straight objects such as lines from books or roads.

Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula of the retina and begin leaking fluid and bleeding into it, eventually leading to rapid loss of central vision and leading to severe visual impairment and blindness in people over 60 years old. Although much less prevalent, wet forms of this condition should still be taken seriously.

Diagnose macular degeneration through a comprehensive eye exam is usually accomplished through using a slit lamp and performing several vision-testing procedures, like looking through an Amsler grid chart which detects distortion or waveiness in straight lines. If they suspect wet macular degeneration they may perform another special test called Fluorescein angiography where a harmless orange-red dye will be injected into your arm and rapid photographs taken of the retina will be taken to look for leakage of fluid into the retina.

Millions of Americans currently live with macular degeneration, though most don’t lose all their sight. Some activities, like driving and reading become more challenging; low vision aids may provide assistance for this activity – talk to your doctor about which options best suit your lifestyle!

Symptoms

Macular degeneration affects your retina’s macula, the part responsible for providing fine details that allow you to read, drive and carry out other daily activities with ease. Macular degeneration results in decreased central vision which leads to distortion or blurring and eventually leads to total blindness. Peripheral (peripheral) vision and color perception typically remain unchanged by macular degeneration, and there are two types: dry and wet. Ninety to 95 percent of ARMD cases fall into the dry form, which occurs when small deposits known as drusen form in the back of your eye behind the retina and accumulate there, slowly damaging your macula and leading to vision loss in central vision areas. The dry form of ARMD typically develops gradually, and most people can maintain some reading vision in at least one eye. Wet ARMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid and proteins into macula cells that destroy them quickly resulting in severe loss of central vision.

Macular degeneration symptoms may include blurry or distorted central vision, dark areas in your field of vision and straight lines appearing bent or crooked. You may also notice colors seem less vibrant or have difficulty distinguishing certain shades of light; you could have difficulty seeing faces while driving but your peripheral vision remains undamaged; if this occurs to you immediately make an appointment to visit an eye doctor immediately.

Your eye doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history and asking about any vision problems, before conducting an eye exam that usually is pain-free. He or she may inject dye into one vein and take photos as it travels through blood vessels in your eye to detect changes caused by macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration cannot yet be treated, but your eye care provider may suggest supplements that can slow its progress, such as vitamins C, E, lutein and zeaxanthin as well as zinc and copper – ask them which ones would work for you!

Diagnosis

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that gradually impairs central vision as it damages your retina – the thin tissue layer at the back of your eye that lines its inner surface – over time. Central vision is essential for reading, driving and other tasks that require detailed vision straight ahead. When retinal cells die due to macular degeneration, central vision becomes impaired leading to blind spots or distortions but side (peripheral) vision remains undamaged by this illness.

Dry age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the most prevalent form of macular degeneration, occurs when yellow deposits called drusen form under the retina and cause macular tissue to thin or break down over time. At first, symptoms may be subtle or difficult to notice; as time progresses they may become more evident.

Macular degeneration should be detected early to increase chances of successful treatment. An annual dilated eye exam can detect early symptoms using an Amsler grid – a pattern of straight lines reminiscent of checkerboard that helps doctors spot vision deterioration early. If these lines appear wavy or missing that may indicate advanced macular degeneration.

Your eye doctor can also perform a test called Fluorescein Angiography. This involves injecting yellow dye into a vein in your arm, followed by taking photos with a special camera of the dye as it travels through its blood vessels in your retina – this allows them to assess if new, abnormal blood vessels have grown under your retina which could eventually lead to Wet Macular Degeneration.

Your doctor might also conduct optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses laser light to scan your retina and macula for signs of macular degeneration. A special dye is injected into a vein in your arm before taking very detailed images showing any areas of abnormal growth or leakage on both retina and macula.

Macular degeneration cannot be reversed, but its progression can be slowened through diet and regular physical activity. Many vitamins and minerals have been proven to protect eyes from macular degeneration such as vitamins C, E, lutein zeaxanthin zinc. Please consult with your healthcare provider on which supplements would best fit you.

Treatment

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central portion of the retina called the macula. This area handles central vision (straight ahead), fine detail, and color recognition. It is a common cause of blindness in people over the age of 50. There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Both can cause progressive vision loss. Dry macular degeneration is characterized by the thinning of the tissue in the macula and the formation of tiny yellow deposits called drusen. It usually progresses slowly and does not always affect both eyes equally. During the early stages of this type of macular degeneration, symptoms are typically mild and may include blurry, dark areas or distortion of central vision. It does not typically impact the side or peripheral vision.

The wet form of macular degeneration is more serious and happens when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow under the retina and leak fluid or scar the macula. This type of macular degeneration can cause blurry or distorted central vision and can lead to permanent loss of vision. The wet form of macular degeneration occurs faster than the dry type. This is why it is important to have a yearly dilated eye exam as early detection is the best way to prevent future vision loss from macular degeneration.

Treatment options for macular degeneration vary depending on the stage of disease and whether it is the dry or wet type. In general, a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and zinc can help slow the progression of macular degeneration. In addition, patients should wear sunglasses and a hat with a visor when outdoors to protect their eyes from ultraviolet (UV) and blue light that can damage the retina.

Even though millions of Americans have macular degeneration, they are still able to live their lives and enjoy all the things they love to do. There are special devices and techniques that can be used to help with activities like reading and driving, and many people continue to do these things despite having macular degeneration. The best way to protect your vision is to schedule a visit to Vistasite Eye Care of Kings Plaza Mall today.