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How a patient with macular degeneration might see the world.
Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) at Mayo Clinic have extensive experience in treating patients with macular degeneration and other diseases of the retina. Mayo specialists treat more than 7,000 patients who have macular degeneration each year. Mayo Clinic also is on the forefront of researching and developing new therapies for the disease.
Ophthalmologists collaborate with colleagues in different specialties to design a macular degeneration treatment plan to meet each patient's needs. Their overall aim is to improve quality of life for patients with macular degeneration by preserving as much eyesight as possible, and preventing further deterioration of vision.
People with macular degeneration may notice either a rapid onset of symptoms, slight symptoms that progress gradually, or no symptoms at all. Doctors may decide to test for the disease based on family history and symptoms the patient is experiencing. A thorough eye examination is performed by the doctor to identify any abnormalities in the back of the eye, in a portion of the retina called the macula. Read more about macular degeneration diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic offers the most advanced treatments for patients with wet and dry macular degeneration, including injectable drug therapy. Photodynamic therapy, laser treatment, surgery, and vitamin and mineral supplements also are used to treat patients with macular degeneration.
The goal of treatment is to preserve eyesight and prevent future vision loss. There have been many recent advances in treatment for wet macular degeneration, and research in dry and wet macular degeneration is ongoing at Mayo Clinic. Read more about macular degeneration treatment.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that typically affects people age 50 and older, and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in those over 60. A part of the retina (the tissue at the back of the eye) called the macula controls central vision, which is critical for reading and recognizing faces. When a person has macular degeneration, the macula begins to deteriorate, causing symptoms that can range from blurred or slightly distorted central vision to a blind spot in the center of the visual field. Macular degeneration has two stages: dry and wet.
Symptoms usually develop gradually and painlessly and vary, depending on the form of macular degeneration. Almost all cases of macular degeneration start as the dry form, which also is the most common form. In 15 percent of cases, the disease advances to the wet form, often causing rapid vision loss. When symptoms begin to appear, immediate evaluation by a doctor is critical.
Read more about macular degeneration at www.MayoClinic.com.
Macular Degeneration Drug
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