The macular is a very small area at the very centre of the retina at the back of the eye. Sometimes the delicate cells of the macula become damaged and stop working, and there are many different conditions which can cause this. If it occurs in later life, it is called age related macula degeneration. Unfortunately we do not yet know why this happens.

Broadly speaking there are two types of macular degeneration, usually referred to as wet and dry. This describes what the condition looks like to the optometrist or Ophthalmologist and not how the eye feels. Only about 10% of all people with macular degeneration have the wet type (all others are affected by the dry type).

Macular degeneration results in a build up of fluid beneath the retina. This causes bleeding and scarring which leads to sight loss. It can progress rapidly, normally within a few months, and sometimes responds to laser treatment in the early stages.

Dry macular degeneration usually develops slowly, often over years, and there is as yet no treatment. Many people find that the visual cells simply cease to function, like the colours fading in an old photograph.

Macular degeneration usually involves both eyes, although one may be affected long before the other. This can make the condition difficult to notice at first because the sight in the good eye is compensating for the loss of sight in the affected eye.

You cannot wear out your sight so do not be afraid to continue to use your eyes as normal.

The Good News
Macular degeneration is not painful, and almost never leads to total blindness. It is the most common cause of poor sight in people over 60 but rarely leads to complete sight loss because only the central vision is affected. Macular degeneration never affects vision at the outer edges of the eye leaving people with enough side vision to manage many everyday tasks.

There are many sources of help and advice available for people with age related macula degeneration both nationally and locally from societies like the RNIB to local charities who publish local news in large print or on audio tapes.

Contact us now on 023 9258 3751 to arrange your next appointment!