Dry Macular Degeneration (MD) and Wet MD.
May is Macular Degeneration (MD) Month, and a good reminder that if you are over 50 you should be having regular macula health checks.
The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina which deals with fine detail. A healthy macula is vital for good vision.
Macular Degeneration is a disease that causes central vision loss. This makes it very difficult to read, recognise faces, watch TV and even obtain a driver’s license.
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. It is more common as we age, and the risk of MD increases if there is a family history of macula problems, cardiovascular disease or you are a smoker.
DRY MD
Characterised by a slow, progressive loss of the RPE cells due to the build-up of drusen at the macula. This makes up about 85% of moderate to advanced MD cases resulting in a gradual deterioration of the central vision. Diet and a special formulation of vitamins and high-dose antioxidants, such as MD eyes have been shown to slow down the progression of MD in those with moderate to advanced MD in at least one eye.
WET MD
This affects about two-thirds of advanced MD patients. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macular and these vessels can spontaneously bleed, leading to a sudden loss of vision requiring immediate medical treatment. Treatment often requires regular injections to shrink the blood vessels.
Like most diseases, early detection and treatment for MD is vital to maintain good vision throughout life.
Hansen Eyecare Plus has all the latest technology for a comprehensive eye exam, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT is the gold standard for the early detection of Macular Degeneration. Unlike standard retinal photography, OCT enables detailed assessment of the deeper layers of the retina using optical ultrasound.
To have your macula thoroughly checked, make your appointment today with Hansen Eyecare Plus.