What Type of Macular Degeneration Do You Have?
Macular degeneration damages your central vision, making it difficult to recognize people, read, watch TV, and drive. Learning you have macular degeneration, no matter the type, can be overwhelming. Fortunately, eye doctors offer several treatments aimed at slowing the progression of the disease.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
The back of your eye is lined with a layer of light-sensitive cells called the retina. The retina captures light as it enters the eye and turns it into electrical signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve to the brain for processing.
The macula, located in the middle of the retina, controls color vision and clear, crisp central vision. Macular degeneration happens when cells in the macula deteriorate and die. As the cells deteriorate, you may notice some of these symptoms:
- Blurry Central Vision
- Distorted Vision
- Straight Lines That Look Wavy
- A Blind Spot in Your Central Vision
- Dull Colors
- Objects Look Smaller Than Normal
Macular degeneration only affects central vision and doesn't change peripheral (side) vision. Although you'll still have usable vision, everyday tasks like threading a needle, cooking, or spotting obstacles or hazards when walking or driving, may become difficult.
Macular degeneration is a common cause of vision loss in older Americans. More than 19 million people in the U.S. have some form of macular degeneration, according to NORC at the University of Chicago. Aging, a family history of the disease, high blood pressure, smoking, being overweight, and a high-fat diet are all risk factors for macular degeneration. The disease is often called "age-related macular degeneration" or "AMD" because it primarily affects older people.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration happens when yellow deposits called drusen build up under the macula. The accumulation of drusen thins the macula and eventually causes the death of macular cells. Dry macular degeneration is the most common form. Eighty percent of people diagnosed with macular degeneration have this type, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
During the early stages of dry macular degeneration, you probably won't notice any changes in your vision. In fact, you may be surprised when your eye doctor mentions you have the eye disease. As the disease progresses through the intermediate and advanced stages, you may begin to experience problems with your central vision.
Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment
AREDS2 supplements, a mixture of vitamins and minerals recommended as a result of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, might slow the progression of dry macular degeneration. The supplements contain zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin E. Some people with dry macular degeneration can be helped by special eye injections that slow vision loss and prevent further loss of vision.
A new type of light therapy approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 2024 holds promise for treating the dry form of macular degeneration, according to the AAO. LumiThera's Valeda Light Delivery System slowed vision loss and improved vision in patients who participated in a research study. The treatment isn't available everywhere yet and may not be covered by all health insurance plans.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration happens when existing and new blood vessels in the macula leak blood or other fluids. Fluid or blood accumulation interferes with vision and may cause scarring that permanently damages your vision. Vision loss in wet macular degeneration happens more quickly than in dry macular degeneration.
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injected into the eye may reduce leakage and the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels. Photodynamic therapy or laser treatment may be recommended if anti-VEGF treatment isn't successful. During photodynamic therapy, your ophthalmologist injects a light-sensitive drug into your blood that is activated by laser light. Photodynamic therapy eliminates abnormal blood vessels but doesn't harm eye tissues.
Regular eye exams are important whether you have macular degeneration or are at risk for developing the disease. Contact our office to schedule your examination.
Sources:
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Understanding Macular Degeneration, 10/1/2024
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration
NORC at the University of Chicago: New Study Finds Higher Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Cases than Previously Determined and a High Degree of County Variation, 11/3/2022
National Eye Institute: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): What Is AMD?, 6/22/2021
American Academy of Ophthalmology: FDA Authorizes Light Therapy for Dry AMD, 1/21/2025
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/light-therapy-photobiomodulation-dry-amd-ga
American Macular Degeneration Foundation: What Is Macular Degeneration, 2025
https://www.macular.org/about-macular-degeneration/what-is-macular-degeneration