The Types Of Macular Degeneration You Get

Among older individuals, macular degeneration is the top cause of blindness or vision loss. This degeneration refers to the tissues around the macula, which is the part of the retina that allows for sharp vision.

The dry version of macular degeneration is actually the early stage of the disease. Although its exact cause is not known, it is believed to be caused by age and the thinning of the macular lining.

The main characteristic of dry macular degeneration is when drusen appears. Drusen are spots, yellowish in color, that are caused by deposits from the deteriorating tissue around the macula. Dry macular degeneration does not cause as severe vision loss as the wet version, but no definitive treatment has been found. Some studies have shown that certain vitamins may slow the progress of the degeneration.

A small percentage of dry macular degeneration will result in the more serious and vision threatening wet version. Wet or neovascular macular degeneration is most likely the body’s way of trying to repair dry macular degeneration. In the wet version, a new network of tiny blood vessels forms underneath the retina. These vessels leak blood and other fluids. The fluids damage the cells of the retina and causes blind spots in the central vision. After time the damage to the cells of the retina becomes so severe that complete vision loss is the result.

Neovascular macular degeneration comes in two types. The occult version is the less severe. In this version the new vessels are not as distinct. Also the leakage is less evident. In the classic category, the new blood vessels are very pronounce and form distinctive lines beneath the retina. The leakage is also more evident. This type of macular degeneration causes the most severe vision loss.

Understanding all there is to know about macular degeneration is not always easy. Luckily you can get everything you need right here at macular degeneration