Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macula Degeneration (MD) is the name given to a group of degenerative diseases of the retina that cause progressive, painless loss of central vision, affecting the ability to see fine detail, drive, read and recognise faces. 

What causes Macular Degeneration?

It is still unclear as to what exactly causes Macular Degeneration. Risk includes age, family history and smoking. There are two types of Macular Degeneration - Wet and Dry. The Dry form is slow progressing and often less severe. The Wet form can effect vision loss quickly and occurs when new vessels form under the damaged macula and they begin to bleed.

What treatment is there for Macular Degeneration?

Currently there are no treatment methods for Dry Macular Degeneration, however a substantial amount of research is being conducted to find a treatment. There are a number of treatments available for Wet Macular Degeneration. These treatment forms are discussed with an Ophthalmologist following referral from our Optometrist.

For further information on Macular Degeneration visit the Macular Disease Foundation website.