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Subscribe to Our NewsletterMacular Degeneration
The central vision area is affectted by Macular Degeneration and shown by this simulated image.
More people over the age of 55 suffer vision loss from Macular Degeneration than from any other cause in the United States. As our population ages more, the opportunity for diseases such a Macular Degeneration to affect us increases. We find more of it because there are more older people now.
The Macula is the part of the retina that contains all the color vision/sharp vision receptors. There are about 7 million cones in the area defined by the macula. Cones are the color vision receptors of the retina. When the function of the cones in an area is compromised, light falling on that area is not converted into information the brain can use, so vision in that area is lost.
Macular degeneration has two presentations. One is a wet or exudative form, and it is subject to treatment with lasers for photocoagulation of leaking vessels. The dry form is much more difficult to treat, but slower and less damaging than the wet form. Over time, either form will result in loss of vision in the center of the field. If you look at an object directly, its image may fall on a damaged part of the macula, and it will seem to disappear. Much research is being done in the area of Macular Degeneration, and some significant progress is probably not far off. For now, doing the things that are healthy and sensible is the best plan. Get enough exercise. Take an adequate supplement of antioxidants, including Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Grape Seed Extract, and others.