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Macula Degeneration
What is Macular Degeneration?
The macula is a small area at the very centre of the retina. The macula is very important and is responsible for what we see straight in front of us, allowing us to see fine detail for activities such as reading and writing, as well as our ability to see colour.
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 later in life, it is called the ‘ age-related macular degeneration’.
Unfortunately, we do not yet know why this happens. There are two main types of macular degeneration, usually referred to as ‘wet’ and ‘dry’.
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There Are 2 Major Kinds of Macular Degeneration
‘Wet’ Macular Degeneration
Only 10% of people with macular degeneration have the ‘wet’ type, all others are affected by the ‘dry’ type. ‘Wet’ macular degeneration results in a build-up of fluid under the retina. This causes bleeding and scarring which leads to sight loss. It can progress rapidly, normally within a few months. There are treatments available at the hospital if you have this form of the condition.
‘Dry’ Macular Degeneration
‘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 colours fading in an old photograph.
Book An Enhanced Eye TestHow it affects your eyes
Macular degeneration usually involves both eyes, although one may be affected long before the other which sometimes makes the condition difficult to notice at first because the sight in the ‘good’ eye is compensating for the loss of the sight in the affected eye.
You cannot wear out your sight, so do not be afraid to continue to use the ‘good’ eye as normal. The good news is that 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 as only the central vision is affected.
Macular degeneration never affects vision at the outer edges of the eye. This means that almost everyone with macular degeneration will have enough side (peripheral) vision to get around and keep his or her independence.
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What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
In the early stages, your central vision may be:
- blurred or distorted
- with objects looking an unusual size or shape
- straight line appearing wavy or fuzzy.
This may happen quickly or develop over several months, however macular degeneration is not painful.
Because macular degeneration affects the centre of the retina, people with an advanced form of the condition will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight.
This makes reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult.
What should you do if you think you have macular degeneration?
If you suspect that you may have macular degeneration but there are no sudden symptoms, you should see your optician or GP who will refer you to an eye specialist if necessary. If there is a rapid, significant change in vision, then you should consult your doctor or local hospital’s Accident and Emergency department immediately.
If you have macular degeneration in one eye, and you start getting symptoms in your other eye, then you should go to the hospital that usually looks after you, or ask your GP to arrange an emergency appointment, as soon as possible. This will ensure that if treatment can be done, you will get it within a few days.
What does an eye examination involve?
Firstly there will be an assessment of your vision. The optometrist will then use a special lens to look at the macula in each eye.
This is usually followed up by photgraphs of the retina, and an optional OCT scan, which is included free of charge for patients on Optiplan.
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Your Feelings
A natural reaction to being diagnosed with macular degeneration is to feel upset and angry.
Other people may not understand the problem with your vision because you will not look as though you have a sight problem, and they may ask tactless questions such as ‘why don’t you just get better glasses?’
Adjusting to any major change in life is not easy, and it may help to talk to a social worker, telephone the RINB helpline on 0845 766 9999 or talk to someone from a local society for people with sight problems. Your family doctor or social worker will be able to find a counsellor if you feel that would be helpful. Talking about and sharing experiences can be a good way of learning to cope with feelings and problems that other people with the same condition may have come across before.
RINB helpline:
0845 766 9999
Can I be helped to see better?
Your sight is one of your most important senses. Your eye uses a very delicate mechanism to ensure that vision is transmitted correctly to the brain. Like all delicate apparatus, it needs constant care and attention.
Nutrof® Total has been specially formulated to assist you in ensuring that your eyes have the correct nutritional intake to maintain healthy eyes.’
It is essential to take the once a day, easy to swallow capsule, as it supplies to your eyes and body the essential vitamins required for strong eye health and your total body vitamin requirements.
These include antioxidant vitamins, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Omega 3 fish oils, plus essential minerals.
Nutrof® Total’s unique formulation has been shown to help and protect your eye health.
Nutrof® Total is the leading eye nutritional in many countries across Europe including France and Spain.
If you would like more information regarding eye health and nutrition please download our booklet by clicking here.
There’s more information regarding eye nutrition by Thea Pharmaceuticals.
