| Macular degeneration is a serious condition that is | | | | variety of different methods. With wet MD, laser |
| mainly found in the elderly. The macular, also | | | | surgery or photocoagulation is often very |
| known as the center of the retinal area, starts to | | | | successful in removing some of the abnormal |
| become thin and atrophied. In many cases, the | | | | blood vessels from the area. There are also |
| area will bleed. For many people, it often results in | | | | medications that can be used to help get rid of |
| the loss of their central vision, which means they | | | | the problems associated with the blood vessels |
| will no longer have a detailed vision. Detailed vision | | | | that are causing the problem. |
| allows you to read, recognize faces, and even | | | | For dry MD, however, there is no actual cure, but |
| drive a car. All of these things will no longer be | | | | the progression of the disease can be slowed |
| possible for one who has this health condition. | | | | down and prevented from advancing. Many of the |
| Generally, there are two types of macular | | | | treatment plans include taking high doses of |
| degeneration or MD. Wet MD often results in a | | | | vitamins. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and |
| quick loss of vision and is the result of abnormal | | | | copper have been successful with numerous |
| blood vessel growth in the retinal area. Dry MD will | | | | patients. The result is that the disease progresses |
| cause a slow loss of vision and is often caused by | | | | very slowly and the majority of people are able |
| deposits building up in the retina. This will also | | | | to continue living their lives as normal. |
| cause the macular to become thin. There is no | | | | As with any health condition, early detection can |
| pain associated with this health condition. In fact, | | | | be critical for formulating a treatment plan. |
| many people do not even realize there is a | | | | Anyone who suspects they have macular |
| problem because the loss of vision is so slow to | | | | degeneration should contact their ophthalmologist |
| develop. | | | | immediately. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, |
| Dry MD and wet MD can be treated through a | | | | the better chances for a successful treatment. |