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Macular
Degeneration affects central vision, making tasks such
as reading difficult. |
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The
retina is the thin, delicate lining of the inside back
wall of the eye. The retina is responsible for the sensation
of vision. Similar to the film of a camera, it captures
focused images and sends the information via the optic
nerve to the brain which processes the information.
Without the retina, you would not see.
The
center of the retina, the macula, is used for detailed
work and reading. The surrounding portion of the retina
is responsible for peripheral vision.
Macular
Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related
macular degeneration (ARMD), is a deterioration of the
macula that results in impaired central vision. ARMD
is the number one cause of blindness in those over age
55. Factors that increase the chance of having macular
degeneration include age, fair complexion, female gender,
smoking and heart disease. A large, well-designed study
(age-related eye disease) has concluded that high levels
of dietary
supplements consisting of a combination of vitamin
C, vitamin E, beta carotene and zinc at specific concentrations
may lower the risk of developing advanced stages of
macular degeneration by 25% for people at high risk.
Dry
ARMD is the most common type of macular degeneration.
Visual deterioration is usually milder in this form.
Wet ARMD affects 10 per cent of all individuals with
macular degeneration and is more severe. In wet ARMD,
blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the retina,
causing loss of vision.
Treatments for Macular Degeneration
Careful monitoring of vision and regular eye exams are important for those with both forms of ARMD. Dietary modifications are also important to help prevent the dry form of the disease from worsening.
A new class of drugs, known as anti-VEGF medications, have been shown to slow and even reverse the progression of the disease in some patients. This form of therapy is designed to inhibit the unwanted blood vessel growth caused by ARMD, thereby reducing leakage and bleeding. Examples of new therapies that we now offer include Avastin®, Lucentis® and Macugen®.
Another treatment for wet ARMD is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), a laser treatment that uses a light-activated drug called Visudyne. The drug is injected into an arm vein and travels through the bloodstream to the retina, where it is activated by a non-thermal laser. A clot is formed, closing the leaking blood vessels with minimal scarring to the retina.
Previous laser treatments for wet ARMD were successful in preventing loss of vision, but caused scarring and damage to the retinal tissue. PDT allows the laser beam to focus on the area where the drug has concentrated and very quickly treat it, eliminating the likelihood of damage. The treatment may be reapplied if necessary.
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