Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a devastating disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, or location in the world.  Although it is most common in adults over the age of 60, macular degeneration can also affect younger adults, as well as infants and children.  If you don't know much about this terrible disorder, or if you have questions, please read on for some informative facts about macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is the end result or several different disorders.  The macula (the light sensing cells located at the central region of the retina) malfunctions and begins to die off.  This leads to a gradual loss and decline of central vision.  However, peripheral vision remains intact. 

Over 12 million people in America are recorded to have macular degeneration.  The number may actually be much higher.  The problem is that many people do not realize that there is a problem with their vision until it is in the later stages of macular degeneration.  Often times, people go to the eye doctor much too late.

There is no known cause or cure for macular degeneration.  Symptoms of macular degeneration can vary from person to person.  The most common symptoms are:  blurring and dim colors in your central vision, straight lines appear distorted, or a dark or empty area appears in your central vision.  These symptoms can often persist slowly.  If you notice any changes in your vision, you should go see an eye doctor immediately.

1 in 6 Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 will get macular degeneration.  1 In 4 Americans between the ages of 64 and 74 will get macular degeneration as well.  Lastly, 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 75 will be struck with the disorder.  It is estimated that 1.2 million Americans that have macular degeneration will develop severe central vision loss each year.  Each year, at least 200,000 people with macular degeneration will lose all central vision in one or both of their eyes.

While there is no known cure for macular degeneration, studies have been shown that there may be links to people who succumb to the disorder.  It has been found that there are certain genetic mutations that are passed on or inherited between family members.  This means that if you have a family member with the disorder, you can also develop it later.

These were some of the important facts that you should know about macular degeneration.  Macular degeneration is truly a devastating disorder that is yet to be fully understood.  It may take many more years before a cure can be found.  Until then, education on the disorder and research is all that we can do.

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