Macular Degeneration is a medical condition that affects the part of the eye responsible for clarity of vision known as the macula. Macular Degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 55. This condition may cause central vision to become blurry. In some cases, it causes a total loss of central vision.

Macular Degeneration can be broken down into two different types: wet and dry.

In wet Macular Degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow in the macula. This can cause sudden vision loss. Wet Macular Degeneration is more serious than the dry form, however it can be treated with laser treatments, injections, or surgical intervention.

Dry Macular Degeneration is the more common form of the disease and is caused by the thinning of the macula over time. This occurs due to age-related changes in the eye, such as the formation of drusen (white deposits) in the macula.

The symptoms of Macular Degeneration are usually subtle. Symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, difficulty recognizing faces and details, difficulty adapting to different levels of light, and difficulty accurately judging distances.

There is no known cure for Macular Degeneration. However, there are steps one can take to slow the progression of the disease. These include quitting smoking, monitoring cholesterol, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight, exercising, eating a healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables and other antioxidant-rich foods, and taking prescribed vitamins and supplements. Regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist can also help detect the condition early.

Although Macular Degeneration is a serious condition, it does not always lead to blindness. Instead, it can lead to permanent changes in vision that can be treated with low vision devices and other services that help people to maximize the vision they have.

In conclusion, while there is currently no cure for Macular Degeneration, there are steps one can take to reduce its progression and improve vision. Regular eye exams and healthy lifestyle changes can help to catch the condition early, and low vision devices can help individuals to make the most of the vision they have.