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WHAT IS THE MACULA? The macula is a small area at the center of the retina that allows us to see fine details such as central vision, activities such as reading and writing and appreciating colour vision. WHAT CAUSES MACULAR DEGENERATION? Sometimes the delicate cells of the macula are damaged and stop functioning. The exact cause is not known although it tends to happen as people get older. This is called age-related macular degeneration. The most common types of macular degeneration are the dry [atrophic] and the wet [exudative]. The dry type is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. The wet type results from the formation of abnormal blood vessels under the macula which leak fluid or blood and blur the central vision. Children and young people can also suffer from an inherited form of macular degeneration called macular dystrophy, which can sometimes affect several members from the same family Symptoms of macular degeneration: Blurred or distorted central vision Colours look dim Words on a page look blurred Straight lines appear distorted Dark or empty areas appear in the center of vision This makes activities like reading, writing and recognizing small objects or faces very difficult HOW IS MACULAR DEGENERATION DIAGNOSED? Viewing the maculas with dilated pupil Fluorescein angiography to find abnormal blood vessels under the macula. Indocyanine green angiography is done in certain cases. HOW IS MACULAR DEGENERATION TREATED? The dry form is treated by focusing on helping the person improve his central vision using low-vision aids like magnifying glasses, telescopic spectacles or closed-circuit televisions. The wet form is treated with laser photocoagulation to seal the leaking blood vessels that damage the macula. A special type of dye laser is also used wherever indicated. Research into macular degeneration . There is a great deal of research done by us and elsewhere that is looking into the causes of macular degeneration and how it can be treated. The Macula Clinic Our centres run Macula Clinics for the special purpose of preserving sight in sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration
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