Macular Degeneration Surgery: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Macular degeneration is an age-related retinal condition that comes in two types: wet and dry. This eye disease causes loss of central vision, but it typically does not lead to total blindness. While there are treatments available, there is no cure.

Macular degeneration is a common condition in people over the age of 50. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina, which is located at the back of the eye and controls central vision. Individuals with macular degeneration retain their peripheral vision (the ability to see things off to the sides).

Types

The two types of macular degeneration are: Dry and wet.

• Dry (Atrophic) Macular Degeneration: It is the most common type, affecting nearly 90% of individuals with the condition. It develops when tiny yellow protein deposits, known as drusen, accumulate under the macula. These deposits cause the macula to dry out and thin.

Vision loss in dry macular degeneration typically occurs gradually, and most people do not completely lose their central vision. However, in some cases, the dry form can progress to the wet form.

• Wet (Exudative) Macular Degeneration: Wet macular degeneration, also known as exudative macular degeneration, occurs when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina and macula. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid, leading to fluid buildup and a bulge in the macula.

This type of macular degeneration is more severe and can rapidly lead to significant loss of central vision. About 10% of individuals with macular degeneration have a wet form. Symptoms may include seeing dark spots in the center of vision.

Following are the signs and symptoms of Macular Degeneration:

• Being less able to see in low light.
• Blurred vision.
• difficulties with your color perception.
• Low vision.
• Blank spots in your field of vision.