Vision impairment is a national health concern and has a negative impact on physical and mental health.
In this article, we’ll discuss the characteristics of both conditions and vision changes they can cause.
About 80%85% of people affected by macular degeneration havedry macular degeneration.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Dry macular degeneration often affects both eyes.Treatment with the AREDS 2 supplementmay help slow its progression.
Treatment is available if it progresses togeographic atrophy.
Although less common, wet macular degeneration is considered more serious than dry macular degeneration.
These vessels often leak blood or blood products, which scars the macula.
Vision loss occurs faster than with dry macular degeneration.
Managing these factors can help decrease your potential of developing dry AMD.
If the drainage angle gets blocked, aqueous humor remains in the eye, and pressure increases.
Glaucoma is categorized as either open angle glaucoma, the most common throw in, or angle closure glaucoma.
However, people will eventually notice blind spots in their peripheral visual fields.
It is often called “the thief of sight” because it has no symptoms until it affects sight.
In people affected by macular degeneration, there is a loss of central vision.
Eventually, total blindness can occur.
Other symptoms can include headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Outlook
As of now, there are no surgeries or specific procedures that can cure dry AMD.
There are options available to assist people living with the condition, however.
Low-vision tools, such as magnifying tools and handheld computers, can be helpful.
People with glaucoma can also benefit from a consultation with a low-vision specialist.
To address glare and light sensitivity, they can used negative contrast on computers or glare-reducing filters.
People with glaucoma do have some medications and procedures available to help prevent vision loss.
Eye drops can be prescribed.
They can either decrease aqueous humor production or help assist aqueous fluid drain through the drainage angle.
The ultimate goal is to decrease eye pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
People who have glaucoma may be eligible for laser surgery.
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet AMD.
Both can cause central vision loss, but peripheral or side vision is usually not affected.
On the other hand, glaucoma can cause complete vision loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Macular degeneration cannot always be prevented.
Early symptoms of macular degeneration are not always evident in people affected with macular degeneration.
No, there is no natural way to reverse macular degeneration at this time.Current evidence supports decreasing risk factors.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Peripheral vision typically is unaffected.
However, macular degeneration can impact your ability to drive, read small print, even see faces.
Walking around and being able to not bump into things is typically achievable due to peripheral vision remaining intact.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is macular degeneration?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Glaucoma.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Eye disease statistics.
Cleveland Clinic.Advances in in the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Aqueous humor.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is glaucoma?
Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group.The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS): design implications.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision assistive devices.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision rehabilitation teams and services.
National Eye Institute.Age-related macular degeneration.
