The Different Macular Degeneration Categories
Macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older individuals, affects the macula. The macula is the part of the retina that allows for the sharp central vision. This is the vision that allows us to read, drive, draw, etc. Macular degeneration comes in two forms - dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular).
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.
Dry or non-neovascular macular degeneration is believed to be the early signs of macular degeneration in general. The dry version is caused by deposits and debris of the tissue surrounding the macula. These deposits, known as drusen, are seen as yellow spots in the retina. Drusen builds up and causes vision loss. Dry macular degeneration is the less severe version of the disease. There is no known treatment for the illness, but some vitamin studies have proven hopeful.
The more severe form of macular degeneration is the wet or neovascular. This type forms a new network of blood vessels behind the retina. Although this type is actually the body's natural way of trying to repair the degeneration, it is not successful. The vessels leak blood and other fluids which causes irreparable damage to the cells of the retina. Fortunately only about 10% of people with dry macular degeneration actually progress to the more severe wet version.
The wet version, however, does come in two categories. The most severe category is the classic. This type forms a distinctive set of vessels that appear as delineated lines beneath the retina. The leakage from these vessels is severe and thus causes the most damage to the retina. Complete blindness is usually the result of the classic type. The other category of neovascular macular degeneration is called the occult. In this version, the vessels are not as formed and leak less fluids. This, of course, results in less damage to the vision. - 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.
Dry or non-neovascular macular degeneration is believed to be the early signs of macular degeneration in general. The dry version is caused by deposits and debris of the tissue surrounding the macula. These deposits, known as drusen, are seen as yellow spots in the retina. Drusen builds up and causes vision loss. Dry macular degeneration is the less severe version of the disease. There is no known treatment for the illness, but some vitamin studies have proven hopeful.
The more severe form of macular degeneration is the wet or neovascular. This type forms a new network of blood vessels behind the retina. Although this type is actually the body's natural way of trying to repair the degeneration, it is not successful. The vessels leak blood and other fluids which causes irreparable damage to the cells of the retina. Fortunately only about 10% of people with dry macular degeneration actually progress to the more severe wet version.
The wet version, however, does come in two categories. The most severe category is the classic. This type forms a distinctive set of vessels that appear as delineated lines beneath the retina. The leakage from these vessels is severe and thus causes the most damage to the retina. Complete blindness is usually the result of the classic type. The other category of neovascular macular degeneration is called the occult. In this version, the vessels are not as formed and leak less fluids. This, of course, results in less damage to the vision. - 17269
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