Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an acquired degeneration of the retina, specifically the macula (the sharp center of vision in the eye).  It affects the central vision.  The main risk factors for macular degeneration are age, genetic susceptibility, and smoking.

Macular degeneration is divided into two categories.  The ‘dry’ is generally a slow, chronic, progressive disease.  As the ‘dry’ disease gets more severe, the patient can be at higher risk for converting into the ‘wet’ form of the disease.  This is a faster, progressive disease process.  There are treatments available for ‘wet’ macular degeneration, so we encourage patients to make an appointment if they have a change in their vision.