Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, often called AMD or ARMD (for age-related macular degeneration), is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans age 65 and older. The eye-health organization Prevent Blindness America estimates that 13 million Americans have evidence of macular degeneration, while the Macular Degeneration Partnership places the number at closer to 15 million. The problem is growing: the National Eye Institute says that Americans with moderate to severe AMD will number 17 million by 2020, more than double the current figure.
Low vision is a term commonly used to mean partial sight, or sight that is not corrected with contact lenses or standard glasses. Vision is still functional but the vision loss is to the degree that it interferes with the ability to perform daily activities. The severity of the loss can be moderate to almost total blindness.
Low vision can be caused by an eye injury or various eye diseases. Common causes of low vision include:
- Cataracts – causes vision to be hazy
- Macular degeneration – effects central vision
- Diabetic retinopathy – causes distorted or blurred vision
- Glaucoma – loss in peripheral vision and difficulty seeing at night.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. It is one of the leading causes of legal blindness and vision impairment in older Americans.
Macular degeneration affects the central vision, but not the peripheral vision - therefore, it doesn't cause total blindness. The progression of AMD can be slow or rapid, but the deterioration of central vision generally occurs over a period of a few years. Pain is not associated with AMD, but if you experience any of the following, see your Eye M.D. right away:
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Difficulty seeing at a distance
- Decreased ability to distinguish colors
- Inability to see details, such as faces or words in a book
- Dark or empty spots block the center of your vision
Although the exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, several studies have shown the following individuals may be at risk:
- People age 50 and older
- People with hypertension
- People who smoke
- People with a family history of AMD
The "dry" form of macular degeneration, occurs in approximately 90 percent of those with AMD. Studies have found that high levels of zinc and antioxidants play a key role in slowing the progression of dry macular degeneration in advanced cases.
The "wet" form occurs in only 10 percent of those with AMD, but it accounts for 90 percent of all severe vision loss from the disease. "Wet" AMD can be treated with conventional laser treatment and photodynamic therapy. PDT is used to reduce the risk of moderate to severe vision loss in patients with a few specific forms of "wet" macular degeneration. A new treatment of intraocular antineovascular injections is on the horizon. These drugs, which are delivered directly into the eye by injection, block VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), the molecule that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in "wet" macular degeneration. Other experimental treatments include transplanting healthy cells into a diseased retina and inserting a "retinal chip" to restore vision loss.
Early detection and treatment is the best defense against losing your vision. If you are at risk for macular degeneration, see your Eye M.D. for a complete eye exam at least every one to two years. If your vision has been reduced, you do not have to live a lonely and isolating life, rehabilitation services are available.
Rehabilitation Services
Loss of common daily activities such as the inability to drive safely, to read regular print or to watch T.V. can have a horrendous effect on one's life that can lead to job loss or isolation. But low vision rehabilitation is available to help a person preserve her/his quality of life and maintain maximum independence.
There are strategies and various devices that can assist a person in gaining the life style s/he enjoyed prior to vision loss. These include such things as:
- Strategies such as changing the lighting at home or at your job to maximize the vision you have; using color contrasts (e.g. dark table cloth with light dishes); simple labeling techniques (e.g. rubber band around the conditioner, none on shampoo)
- Optical aides such as magnifiers, telescopes, microscopes, electronic magnifiers, and prisms.
- High tech aides such Closed Caption T.V. (CCTV) or reading machines
- Non optical aides such as large print, audio tapes, signature guides
- Computer technology such as special screen magnification devices such as Zoom Text or Magic
The list of strategies and devices are endless. A good Web site to provide you with low vision resources is the Low Vision Information Center.
If you live in Florida and have vision loss that is causing you problems, you might benefit from one or more of our various programs. These include:
Braille and Talking Book Library Services
The Florida Division of Blind Services provides information and reading materials needed by individuals residing in Florida who are unable to use standard print as the result of visual, physical, or reading disabilities. These services are provided through its Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services.
Services to Adults Who Are Faced With Vision Loss and Want to Live Independently
Independent living services are provided to enable individuals who are blind and severely visually impaired to live more independently in their homes and communities with the maximum degree of self-direction. Successful outcomes enable individuals to live more independently in their community and/or transition to the world of work.
Services to Individuals Seeking Employment
Vocational rehabilitation services are provided to assist individuals who have a bilateral visual impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and need services to prepare for, enter or engage in or retain gainful employment. Successful outcomes lead to achievement of employment goals.