{"id":1747,"date":"2024-06-24T18:16:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T18:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1747"},"modified":"2024-06-24T18:16:10","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T18:16:10","slug":"what-is-macular-degeneration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/conjunctivitis-medications\/what-is-macular-degeneration\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Macular Degeneration?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects central vision, ultimately leading to vision loss.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred vision, seeing straight lines that appear wavy, blank or dark spots in vision, and a struggle to see objects in low light.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Heart disease, diabetes, poor diet, age, and caucasian heritage may increase your risk of macular degeneration.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Your eye doctor can perform several in-office tests to diagnose AMD, including the Amsler Grid test, optical coherence tomography, and routine eye exams.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong>While there\u2019s no cure for macular degeneration, treatments can help slow the progression.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Are you worried about the sudden changes in your vision, like straight lines appearing wavy or having difficulty seeing in low light? These could be symptoms of macular degeneration, a common eye disease. But don\u2019t worry \u2014 early detection and treatment can help manage and slow its progression<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what you should know about macular degeneration, including risk factors, complications, and treatment options.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Macular Degeneration?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1749\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/senior-lady-struggling-to-read-on-a-phone-screen.jpg\" alt=\"senior lady struggling to read on a phone screen\" width=\"780\" height=\"521\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes vision loss. This disease occurs when the macula (a part of your retina) becomes damaged.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The retina is essential for central vision, enabling your brain to interpret visual information. The macula is a small area within the retina, at the back of the eye, that helps you see fine details and colors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the macula becomes damaged, you can\u2019t see objects in front of you as clearly, regardless of how close or far away an object is. However, your peripheral vision may remain intact; for example, you might be able to see the curtains on the stage wings but not the main performer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two types of macular degeneration:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dry macular degeneration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Dry macular degeneration occurs when the macula becomes thinner over time and drusen deposits (small clumps of proteins) accumulate. This is the most common form of macular degeneration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wet macular degeneration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and potentially leak fluid, which can lead to macular scarring. This is a less common but more serious form of macula degeneration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might also hear this condition referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Macular Degeneration Symptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of macular degeneration can vary by individual and the type of AMD you have. These symptoms may include but are not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Straight lines that appear wavy.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This visual distortion is often one of the earliest signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blurred vision.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A gradual loss of clear, sharp vision in the center of your visual field.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Struggling to see objects in low light.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Difficulty with night vision or seeing in dimly lit environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blank or dark spots in your vision.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These may appear in the center of your visual field.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Changes in how you see color.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Colors may appear less vibrant or more muted.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the early stages, your peripheral vision typically remains unaffected, meaning you might still see objects out of the corner of your eye even as central vision deteriorates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience any of these symptoms or have other vision concerns, talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can conduct an eye exam and other diagnostic tests to determine if you have macular degeneration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Macular Degeneration Causes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While genetics can play a role in the development of macular degeneration, the condition can develop with or without a family history. It occurs when the macula starts to deteriorate. Age is the strongest predictor of the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the exact cause of macular degeneration is largely unknown, researchers have found several risk factors that may increase your chances of developing this disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Macular Degeneration Risk Factors<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be at risk of developing macular degeneration if one or more of the following apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/diabetes-medications\/what-is-diabetes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High glycemic diet\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genetics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/cholesterol-medications\/hypercholesterolemia-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High cholesterol<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caucasian heritage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can influence some of these risk factors. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and exercising can all help to reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Macular Degeneration Diagnosis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/man-doing-an-eye-test.jpg\" alt=\"man doing an eye test\" width=\"780\" height=\"411\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your optometrist or ophthalmologist may perform a series of tests to diagnose macular degeneration. These include:<\/p>\n<h3>Routine eye exam<\/h3>\n<p>Your doctor may start with a simple eye exam, which includes dilating the eyes to get a better look inside. It\u2019s important to get routine eye exams to spot potential problems early.<\/p>\n<h3>Amsler grid test<\/h3>\n<p>AMD can make straight lines appear wavy or affect how you see color. The Amsler grid tests for both of these symptoms. This grid consists of several horizontal and straight lines with a dot in the center. Your eye doctor may ask you to point out lines that appear blurry or wavy or areas that appear darker than others.<\/p>\n<h3>Optical coherence tomography<\/h3>\n<p>Optical coherence tomography (OCT) takes detailed images of the back of your eye for your doctor to review. This test is non-invasive and painless, just like getting your picture taken.<\/p>\n<h3>Fluorescein angiography<\/h3>\n<p>This test involves injecting a yellow dye (called fluorescein) into your arm and following it as it travels to the eye. This process allows your eye doctor to detect leakage under the macula.<\/p>\n<h3>Optical coherence tomography angiography<\/h3>\n<p>Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) combines OCT and laser light reflection. OCTA creates 3D images of your eye\u2019s blood flow to provide more detailed images compared to standard OCT.<\/p>\n<h2>Macular Degeneration Complications<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/blind-man-with-a-cane-waiting-to-cross-the-street.jpg\" alt=\"blind man with a cane waiting to cross the street\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If left untreated, macular degeneration can cause several complications, including the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Central vision loss<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. AMD progressively worsens, which can affect how much you\u2019re able to see.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal blindness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Macular degeneration can lead to legal blindness and is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/outreach-resources\/outreach-materials\/aging-eye\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leading cause of irreversible blindness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Light sensitivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some individuals with AMD may be unable to tolerate bright light and may wear sunglasses even when indoors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Depression<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A loss of vision and an inability to enjoy certain activities can lead to feelings of isolation and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/depression-medications\/depression-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Interference with daily activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Normal life activities like driving a car, reading, or traveling may become more difficult.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Early detection is key to helping preserve your central vision for as long as possible.<\/p>\n<h2>Macular Degeneration Treatment<\/h2>\n<p>There is no known cure for either form of macular degeneration. However, certain treatments may slow the disease\u2019s progression, allowing you to enjoy a higher quality of life for longer.<\/p>\n<p>Treatment options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Supplements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Nutritional supplements like zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, copper, and zeaxanthin may slow the progression of AMD, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/nih-study-confirms-benefit-supplements-slowing-age-related-macular-degeneration#:~:text=The%20original%20AREDS%20study%2C%20launched,from%20moderate%20to%20late%20disease.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anti-VEGF injections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/aflibercept.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aflibercept<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/brolucizumab-ophthalmic.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brolucizumab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> block the production of a protein that promotes new blood vessel growth, which may improve vision. This option is typically used for wet AMD.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Photodynamic therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your eye doctor may use a combination of a light-sensitive drug and a laser to remove extra blood vessels in the eye.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Laser photocoagulation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This procedure involves a laser to seal leaking blood vessels.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your eye doctor will choose treatments based on your specific type of AMD and its severity at the time of diagnosis. Remember that no treatment or medication is without risks and side effects, so speak with your doctor to weigh potential risks with benefits.<\/p>\n<h2>Macular Degeneration Prevention<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1752\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/senior-woman-on-an-eye-test.jpg\" alt=\"senior woman on an eye test\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with a healthy lifestyle and no family history of macular degeneration, you may develop this eye disease. You can <\/span>reduce your risks by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Losing weight if you are obese or overweight<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Eating a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Exercising to maintain a healthy weight<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Quitting smoking<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Maintaining low cholesterol levels<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Keeping blood pressure under control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Take every opportunity to reduce the risk factors that are within your control.<\/p>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Macular Degeneration Medications<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration and are taking medications or supplements, BidRx can help you get your prescriptions at affordable prices. Let pharmacies compete for your business. Simply create a bid, choose the offer that works best for you, and have your medications shipped directly to you. Depending on the offer you choose, you may also be able to pick up your prescription locally.<\/p>\n<p>Find your macular degeneration medicines at BidRx. Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\">medication page<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n<p><em>This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn more about macular degeneration, a progressive condition that impacts eyesight. Discover symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1748,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-conjunctivitis-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1747"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1747\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1753,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1747\/revisions\/1753"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1748"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}