Age-related macular degeneration can be thought of as a wearing out of the macula, the small, specialized area of the retina that gives us our straight-ahead reading and driving vision. There are two basic types of macular degeneration. The majority of patients have the less severe dry type, which consists of small aging spots (drusen) in the macula. New blood vessel growth beneath the macula (choroidal neovascularization) is associated with the wet type. These vessels cause the macula to swell with fluid and blood and often lead to permanent central vision loss.

Since this disease does not affect the part of the eye responsible for side vision, patients never go completely blind. In fact, most people with macular degeneration will see normally throughout their lifetime. However, some may develop blurriness or distortion. In extreme cases, central vision may even be lost.

At this time there is no cure for macular degeneration, although early detection and treatment have been shown to slow or halt the disease. The specialists at Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers are committed to keeping up with the latest technology and treatment options to provide you the best possible outcome. When diagnosed in time, we are often able to treat the condition and help prevent vision loss. Read more.