What Really is Dry Macular Degeneration?

If you are over age 50 and are experiencingFovemacular Dystrophy occurs when there is
vision problems, you may very well have Dryvery small damage done to the central area of
Macular Degeneration, which is the most commonthe retina. This condition is associated with
type of macular degeneration (AMRD). There aregrayish-yellow round or oval shaped lesions in the
several types of dry macular degenerationmacular area of the eye. This disease is most
including atrophic ARMD, drusen, soft drusen,common in individuals between the ages of 30
diagram drusen, geographic, fovemacularand 50 and is often genetic in nature.
dystrophy, Choroidal Sclerosis, and mixed/retinalChoroidal Sclerosis is a result of a large
pigment epithelial hypertrophy.white-looking thinned area in the retina. Most often
Atrophic dry macular degeneration occurs whenboth eyes are affected and no treatment has
the retina becomes thin, causing central vision toyet been discovered for this condition. An
become blurry and hazy. This thinning is a gradualexamination of the eye shows thick choroidal
process and only affects the macular area of theblood vessels underneath the thinned area.
eye. An individual with Atrophic dry macularMixed/retinal pigment epithelial hypertrophy results
degeneration continues to have good sidewhen there are several conditions happening in the
(peripheral) vision. Over a period of yearsmacular area. These conditions include thinning or
however, dry ARMD may cause additionalthickening of the retina, drusen and pigmentation.
damage to the central retina. If damage is rapid,As you age, you are apt to experience some
the patient may be developing wet maculartype of changes in the retina of your eye and
degeneration.develop some form of dry macular degeneration.
Drusen, soft drusen and diagram drusen occurNutrients enter the retina slowly and waste
when accumulations of material build up in theproducts are extracted less easily from the retina.
retina. Chemicals to the retina are then inhibitedYou are likely to develop a thinning retina and
by this build up. These accumulations resembleyour sight will probably be reduced. Deposits of
small white spots on the retina.waste products are likely to develop and you
Geographic macular degeneration occurs whenmay experience pigmentation changes to the
several areas form in various parts of the retina.retina. Being watchful for any changes in your
As these areas increase in size, more damage isvision is important at any age and should be
done to the retina. Smoking increases the risk ofreported to your health care provider as soon as
developing this macular disease.you notice them.