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Macular Degeneration Introduction |
Macular
degeneration is an age related
disease. It is also known as
senile macular degeneration, or
age related macular degeneration.
It is the atrophy, or loss of
function, of the macula portion of
the retina. [1] The macula is the area of the retina
is a highly pigmented area, responsible for fine vision,
and allows us to focus daily images. Macular
degeneration is believed to be the
result of damage caused from sunlight,
oxidative stress, or poor blood
flow to the retina. [2]
There are two forms
of macular degeneration. The
dry form, atrophic macular
degeneration, which involves a
disruption in the pigmented cells in
the macula resulting in decreased
function, and the wet form,
or
exudative macular degeneration.
In exudative macular
degeneration there is a formation of a neovascular network,
and retinal
hemorrhages and exudates; both
eventually result in permanent scaring.
In addition, both forms
are bilateral. [3]
Macular degeneration
affects men and women equally. It is
world-wide disease that is more common in whites than blacks. There are no predisposing risk
factors. I t may be hereditary.
Smoking is associated with an
increase prevalence of macular
degeneration. [4]
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Macular Degeneration Symptoms
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Individuals will
complain of a sudden or gradual loss
of vision. There is no pain
associated with macular
degeneration. Most often. the
central vision is affected and
peripheral vision remains intact.
Visual distortion is common and can
be tested using a special grid
chart. On exam of the retina,
pigment disruption or retinal
hemorrhages can be observed. [5]
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Macular Degeneration Statistics |
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An estimated 1
in 3 Americans are affected by
macular degeneration.
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Currently, over 15
million Americans have been diagnosed with
the condition.
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1.8 million
people over the age of 40 have
advanced macular degeneration,
which results in blindness.
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7.3 million people
are living with the intermediate
stage of the disease. 90% of
macular degeneration is the dry
form, 10% the wet form.
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The wet form
of macular degeneration accounts for
90% of all cases of legal
blindness in the United States. [6]
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Over 150,000
Americans are legally blinded from
macular degeneration, and some 20,000 new cases
are diagnosed each year. [7]
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Learn More About
Macular Degeneration |
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