Macular Degeneration

​

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that  destroys our sharp central vision.

​

AMD by itself does not lead to complete blindness, with no ability to see. However, the loss of central vision in AMD can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house. 

​

The macula is the central area of the retina and its own  central area is  called the fovea,  this area is what gives us our central vision. When the macula is damaged, the center of your field of view may appear blurry, distorted, or dark. Macular Degeneration is often referred to as Age -related macular degeneration (AMD) as it typically affects older adults.

​

Behind the retina is a layer of the eyeball called the Choroid and it  contains blood vessels. These blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients to the macula (and whole retina) and carry away its waste products.

​

AMD is caused by the waste products not being removed effectively and this creates deposits on the macular. These deposits are known as drusen and they collect between the choroid and the retina. They gradually build up until they cause the retina to partially separate from some of its choroidal blood supply. This damages the area resulting in reduced vision.

​

In some cases AMD advances so slowly that vision loss does not occur for a long time In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in one or both eyes.