The Types Of Macular Degeneration You Get
Macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older individuals, affects the macula. The macula is the part of the retina that allows for the sharp central vision. This is the vision that allows us to read, drive, draw, etc. Macular degeneration comes in two forms - dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular).
The causes of macular degeneration are unknown. Some believe that age causes the tissues in the macula to thin. However, there is not enough evidence to prove this true. It is known however that macular degeneration are diagnosed in two sections - dry and wet.
The first form is dry macular degeneration. This form is believed to be the early signs of macular degeneration. It is characterized by drusen, which is the debris that is deposited in the macula due to deteriorating tissue. Drusen is usually yellowish in color. As the deposits build, vision loss becomes more severe. However, the loss is never as severe as in the other version of macular degeneration. The FDA has not yet approved any treatment for dry macular degeneration. However, some studies have found that some vitamins, such as beta carotene, may slow the progression of the disease.
A small percentage of dry macular degeneration will result in the more serious and vision threatening wet version. Wet or neovascular macular degeneration is most likely the body's way of trying to repair dry macular degeneration. In the wet version, a new network of tiny blood vessels forms underneath the retina. These vessels leak blood and other fluids. The fluids damage the cells of the retina and causes blind spots in the central vision. After time the damage to the cells of the retina becomes so severe that complete vision loss is the result.
Neovascular macular degeneration comes in two types. The occult version is the less severe. In this version the new vessels are not as distinct. Also the leakage is less evident. In the classic category, the new blood vessels are very pronounce and form distinctive lines beneath the retina. The leakage is also more evident. This type of macular degeneration causes the most severe vision loss. - 17274
The causes of macular degeneration are unknown. Some believe that age causes the tissues in the macula to thin. However, there is not enough evidence to prove this true. It is known however that macular degeneration are diagnosed in two sections - dry and wet.
The first form is dry macular degeneration. This form is believed to be the early signs of macular degeneration. It is characterized by drusen, which is the debris that is deposited in the macula due to deteriorating tissue. Drusen is usually yellowish in color. As the deposits build, vision loss becomes more severe. However, the loss is never as severe as in the other version of macular degeneration. The FDA has not yet approved any treatment for dry macular degeneration. However, some studies have found that some vitamins, such as beta carotene, may slow the progression of the disease.
A small percentage of dry macular degeneration will result in the more serious and vision threatening wet version. Wet or neovascular macular degeneration is most likely the body's way of trying to repair dry macular degeneration. In the wet version, a new network of tiny blood vessels forms underneath the retina. These vessels leak blood and other fluids. The fluids damage the cells of the retina and causes blind spots in the central vision. After time the damage to the cells of the retina becomes so severe that complete vision loss is the result.
Neovascular macular degeneration comes in two types. The occult version is the less severe. In this version the new vessels are not as distinct. Also the leakage is less evident. In the classic category, the new blood vessels are very pronounce and form distinctive lines beneath the retina. The leakage is also more evident. This type of macular degeneration causes the most severe vision loss. - 17274
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