Various Types Of Macular Degeneration
Among older individuals, macular degeneration is the top cause of blindness or vision loss. This degeneration refers to the tissues around the macula, which is the part of the retina that allows for sharp vision.
The causes of macular degeneration are unknown. Some believe that age causes the tissues in the macula to thin. However, there is not enough evidence to prove this true. It is known however that macular degeneration are diagnosed in two sections - dry and wet.
The main characteristic of dry macular degeneration is when drusen appears. Drusen are spots, yellowish in color, that are caused by deposits from the deteriorating tissue around the macula. Dry macular degeneration does not cause as severe vision loss as the wet version, but no definitive treatment has been found. Some studies have shown that certain vitamins may slow the progress of the degeneration.
The other, more severe, version of macular degeneration is characterized by a process known as neovascularization. This term refers to the formation of new blood vessels. It is actually the body's attempt to repair the damage of dry macular degeneration. Instead, it only causes further damage ultimately leading to blindness. The damage is caused by leakage that permanently damages the cells of the retina. Only a small fraction of people with dry macular degeneration progress to the more severe wet version.
Neovascular macular degeneration comes in two types. The occult version is the less severe. In this version the new vessels are not as distinct. Also the leakage is less evident. In the classic category, the new blood vessels are very pronounce and form distinctive lines beneath the retina. The leakage is also more evident. This type of macular degeneration causes the most severe vision loss. - 17269
The causes of macular degeneration are unknown. Some believe that age causes the tissues in the macula to thin. However, there is not enough evidence to prove this true. It is known however that macular degeneration are diagnosed in two sections - dry and wet.
The main characteristic of dry macular degeneration is when drusen appears. Drusen are spots, yellowish in color, that are caused by deposits from the deteriorating tissue around the macula. Dry macular degeneration does not cause as severe vision loss as the wet version, but no definitive treatment has been found. Some studies have shown that certain vitamins may slow the progress of the degeneration.
The other, more severe, version of macular degeneration is characterized by a process known as neovascularization. This term refers to the formation of new blood vessels. It is actually the body's attempt to repair the damage of dry macular degeneration. Instead, it only causes further damage ultimately leading to blindness. The damage is caused by leakage that permanently damages the cells of the retina. Only a small fraction of people with dry macular degeneration progress to the more severe wet version.
Neovascular macular degeneration comes in two types. The occult version is the less severe. In this version the new vessels are not as distinct. Also the leakage is less evident. In the classic category, the new blood vessels are very pronounce and form distinctive lines beneath the retina. The leakage is also more evident. This type of macular degeneration causes the most severe vision loss. - 17269
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