Macular Degeneration Causes

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula of the eye gradually begins to deteriorate. This causes blurred vision, and often as macular degeneration advances many people end up having a complete blind spot in their central field of vision. The macula is located in the center of the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue on the back of the eye. Typically macular degeneration is brought on by age, and it is most commonly experienced by people aged 50 and older. There are two different types of macular degeneration - wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration. 

Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of macular degeneration. The exact cause of dry macular degeneration is unknown, but it occurs when the macula gradually deteriorates without the presence of bleeding. Macular degeneration begins with the retinal pigment epithelium, also known as the RPE. As you age, the cells that make up the RPE begin to deteriorate. As a result, the RPE loses its ability to discard waste caused by proteins in the eye. When the RPE does not perform efficiently, the macula begins changing color and various deposits are left under the eye’s rods and cones which in turn causes reduced vision. When diagnosed wet macular degeneration can be classified as being in the early, intermediate, or advanced stage. 

Wet macular degeneration is very similar to dry macular degeneration. The condition begins and progresses in the same manner, but wet macular degeneration is accompanied by bleeding or fluid that occurs when new blood vessels grow and leak beneath the macula. The blood or fluid affects the retina’s functionality and causes vision to become blurry. In the vast majority of cases, wet macular degeneration develops in people who are already experiencing symptoms of dry macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration often progresses much more rapidly than dry macular degeneration, and the effects are typically much more severe. 

While the primary cause of both wet and dry macular degeneration is old age, if it is caught early there are treatment options that can help slow or even stop the progression of macular degeneration. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can also help reduce your risk of experiencing macular degeneration. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of either form of macular degeneration, it is best to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. 

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