Macular Degeneration

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a condition where the central most part of the vision is blurry white the side or peripheral vision is unaffected. This condition is commonly referred to as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and occurs normally with age. It is the leading cause of visual impairment in North America in adults over the age of 55.

Symptoms & Treatment

The most common symptom is blurred vision performing tasks that require seeing detail. Over time, the blurred area may increase in size and interfere with reading and recognizing faces. Lifelong UV protection and general nutrition are believed to play a key role in preventing AMD. Living a healthy lifestyle by keeping your blood pressure down, reducing your intake of fatty foods and not smoking are all recommended. Many cases of wet AMD can be treated with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial.