macular degeneration is a disease which affects the retina in this video we will
describe the symptoms of macular degeneration the retina is the layer at the back of the
eye which helps us to see the world around us macular degeneration causes changes in central
vision images which were once clear may appear blurred later dark spots may appear and enlarged
straight lines may become distorted or curved colors may appear less vivid or darker
the eyes work together when one eye loses vision it may not be noticed because the
other eye is still able to see each eye must be tested on its own to identify changes in vision
the symptoms of macular degeneration may be found in other eye conditions it is very important for
an ophthalmologist to perform an examination to ensure that no other conditions are present dry
macular degeneration affects the health of the retina the retina is the lining of the eye which
responds to light here a cross-section of the retina can be seen in the dry form of macular
degeneration metabolic end products collect underneath the retina these deposits are called
drusen over time dry macular degeneration can lead to scarring or thinning of the retina above
dry macular degeneration may cause gradual central vision loss over time every patient
has a different course and some patients preserve vision for a very long time your ophthalmologist
will monitor your eyes ask about how stopping smoking or vitamin formulations can help to
slow the progression of dry macular degeneration wet macular degeneration may develop in patients
with the dry form of macular degeneration in the wet form blood vessels that are leaky and abnormal
begin to grow into the retina unlike normal blood vessels in the rest of the body those
seen in wet macular degeneration cause swelling or bleeding into the retina wet macular degeneration
may cause either sudden or gradual loss of vision as these vessels leak fluid or bleed if untreated
vision loss can progress the retina which lines the back wall of the eye is responsible
for sight in dry macular degeneration deposits collect underneath the retina
in wet macular degeneration abnormal blood vessels begin to sprout a molecule known as
a vascular endothelial growth factor or veg F is released in wet macular degeneration
veg F binds to its receptors much like a key entering a lock veg F
is a signal which causes leaky blood vessels to form underneath the retina
as these abnormal blood vessels leak and bleed the retina becomes swollen and division may decline
the main treatment for wet macular degeneration is an injection of medication into the eye this
medication is delivered close to the retina after freezing and cleaning the eye and most
patients experience only minimal discomfort these medications work by binding to the
vag F that is released much like a sponge as a result the veg F cannot bind to its receptors
these injections slow or stop the growth of abnormal vessels as with any medical
procedure injections of anti veg F may help to preserve or slow the risk of vision loss
from wet macular degeneration injections carry risks each time they are performed they last
only a certain time and repeated injections may be necessary to preserve vision talk to
your ophthalmologist about the benefits and risks of anti veg F medication to learn more