The Genetic and Generational Bases of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is an eye condition which causes vision loss in adults aged 65 and above. With this eye problem, the macula, which is the part of the retina that is responsible for the central vision to read or drive, is damaged and appears in two forms: wet (neovascular) and dry (non-neovascular) forms.

Neovascular is the abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the macula. Dry macular degeneration occurs when the macula tissues begin to thin and deteriorate, and yellow spots called drusen start to grow around the macula. On the other hand, in wet macular degeneration, the retina cells die as a result of new blood vessels growing beneath the retina.

Though age is the main factor causing macular degeneration, this condition can also be affected by other factors. According to research, obese and inactive people are more likely to develop macular degeneration than those who have a normal weight and are physically active. It is has also been discovered in studies that this condition is possibly hereditary, because of its presence in the genes of people, as shown in fraternal and identical twins that are diagnosed with AMD.

An early sign of AMD is distorted or blurry vision. Eye doctors in Indianapolis are able to detect this problem before it becomes severe by carrying out a retinal exam. They use an Amsler grid to measure central vision. The Amsler grid has straight lines with a dot in the center. If you see wavy lines or the lines look blurry to you, then you have macular degeneration.

If eye doctors Indianapolis find that there is indeed blurriness in your central vision, they perform a fluoroscein angiography to study the blood vessels around the macula. This test involves administering fluorescent yellow-green dye to the veins to provide a clear picture of the blood vessels.

To treat dry macular degeneration in particular, eye doctors in Indianapolis advise their patients to wear sunglasses with UV protection. The intake of nutrients also helps. It is found that zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins A, C and E help to slow down the progression of dry macular degeneration. As for the treatment of wet macular degeneration, there are certain drugs such as Lucentis and Macugen that help prevent the disease from advancing to the next stage.