The macula is a small portion of our retina in the back of the eye. Although small, the macula is where we get our central vision, our ability to see fine details and our color vision. Macular degeneration is an age related degeneration caused by the accumulation of waste products called drusen within the retina. These drusen can build up leading to decrease or loss of central vision. Macular degeneration is a common condition affecting 1 in 5 people over the age of 75 years old.
 There are two types of macular degeneration, Dry and Wet. Dry Macular degeneration is the most common form accounting for 85% of cases. Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels have broken through the retina and begin to leak. Also less common wet macular degeneration accounts for 90% of all severe vision loss from the disease. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, regular eye exams and early detection are key to helping maintain healthy vision.  
Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration Include:
  • Age (Most commonly seen in people over 65)
  • Family History
  • Race (More common in caucasians, especially those of Northern European descent)
  • Smoking - This is the biggest risk factor and increases the risk of developing macular degeneration by up to 4x
  • Obesity
  • ​Cardiovascular disease
Preventing Macular Degeneration
  • Quit Smoking!
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables - green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale have antioxidants which help maintain healthy eyes. Oily fish like salmon and tuna contain Omega-3 fatty acids which may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Click here for a detailed guide containing nutrition and tips for healthy eyes written by Dr. Nick Flebotte, OD, FAAO 
Treating Macular Degeneration
Unfortunately there is no cure for macular degeneration and no treatment for dry macular degeneration. 

​Eye vitamins such as Preservision and Ocuvite have been shown to slow down the progression of macular degeneration in some people, but you should always consult your eye doctor before starting them as they contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which may be harmful for some people.

Wet Macular Degeneration is often treated with injections of medication to stop the growth of new blood vessels. At Complete Primary Eyecare, we have to latest in OCT and OCT-A imaging technology to detect changes from dry to wet macular degeneration as soon as possible. Early detection of wet macular degeneration and referral to a retina specialist is important to preserving vision. 

For patients who have lost significant vision due to macular degeneration, Low Vision Services maybe able to help you use the remaining vision you have more efficiently. We work with the best low vision specialists in the area to help keep you doing your normal daily activities as best as possible.
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Amsler Grid Monitoring
Regular monitoring with the Amsler's Grid ca help identify changes in your condition any abnormalities in the grid should be reported to your eye doctor as soon as possible as they may be a sign of disease progression.