Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a hereditary condition in which the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp reading vision) fails to function efficiently. It is a common cause of impaired reading or detailed vision is the leading cause of blindness worldwide.  Macular degeneration is generally age-related.  There are two forms of the condition; the less sight threatening dry form to the more sight threatening wet form.  Initial signs include blurred reading vision, a weakening of colour vision, distortion or loss of central vision (e.g., a dark spot in the middle of your field of vision), and distortion of lines(appear squiggly). 

Treatment of dry form

Although there is no cure, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of progression.  Vitamins based on the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) http://www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/nutrition/AREDS/default.aspx, http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd/, lutein/zeaxanthin, and omega 3 fish oil have been shown to decrease the risk of progression by 30%.
Lifestyle changes such as not smoking, controlling weight and decreasing exposure to UV light will also decrease the risk of progression of the disease.

Treatment of wet form

The most recent treatment for this form of AMD requires the injection of a drug, anti Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF),  into the eye which seals the leaking blood vessels and stops the leakage of blood and fluid into the retina. The treatment is repeated every 4 to 5 weeks until diagnostic tests indicate that the blood vessels are sealed.  This treatment  has been shown to halt the deterioration of vision in the majority of patients, and to have improved the vision in some.  The vision will not be restored to normal.  It is possible that leakage will begin again, and then another cycle of treatments will be required.

Macular Degeneration Society (http://www.macular.org/) and CNIB (http://www.cnib.ca/en/Default.aspx)    (http://www.amdsupport.ca/)