Macular is a part of the retina that is responsible for detail vision in the center of our eyesight. In macular degeneration, macular degrades and vision will be significantly affected, especially to the central vision.
Imagine our eyeball is a film camera, the cornea is the lens in the front allowing light to go inside and the film inside the camera will be our retina that catches light so that we can develop photos.
Macular is a part of the retina that is responsible for detail vision in the center of our eyesight. In macular degeneration, macular degrades and vision will be significantly affected, especially to the central vision.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration includes:
● Blurred or "fuzzy" vision.
● Straight lines e.g. sentences on a page appearing wavy or distorted.
● Blurry areas on a printed page.
● Difficulty reading or seeing details in low light levels.
● Extra sensitivity to glare.
How does Macular Degeneration damage our eyesight?
The 2 Types of Macular Degeneration:
▪ Dry macular degeneration
It is most common type among the elderlies that causes a slow loss of central vision when clumps of proteins (drusens) form on the macular. Although there is no treatment for dry macular degeneration, there are ways to monitor the disease and to minimize its impact on our daily of life.
▪ Wet macular degeneration
It is a less common type but more aggressive and destructive compared to dry macular degeneration. In wet macular degeneration, many small and poorly structured blood vessels grow under the retina where they are not supposed to grow. These small blood vessels will leak blood or other fluids, disrupting the healthy retinal shape and eventually leaving scars on the macula and permanent central vision loss.
What can I to do to prevent blindness due to macular degeneration?
Just like most of the eye diseases, macular degeneration does not have obvious symptoms. Many people may not notice they have macular degeneration until their vision become very blurry. This is why it is important to have regular visit to an optometrist for eye examination. Early detection and intervention can often save vision that would otherwise be lost.
A number of food have been discovered that contains important nutrients for macula health, combining diet and appropriate supplement can help to strengthen our macula health from developing vision loss.
Optometrist can help pick up early signs of macular degeneration at an eye test, and provide latest information on diet and supplements suggestion that can help to protect your macula health.