The macula is the area of the retina located at the center of the back of the eye (retina). It is responsible for central vision and is where your best reading vision is. Any damage to this area of the retina will affect your head-on vision. Dr. Kurteeva can evaluate your eyes and determine if macular degeneration is present and is causing your vision problems. Often people have early signs of macular degeneration which have not yet caused vision problems so they are unaware of it.

​

Macular degeneration can be the dry type where the existing blood supply withers away, much like water leaving a lakebed dry and cracked. Sometimes macular degeneration is the wet kind where new blood vessels grow uncontrolled, break, bleed and form scars.

​

Causes of Macular Degeneration

​

• Aging

• Natural break down and thinning of the retinal tissues

• Leakage of tiny blood vessels in the retina

​

​

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

​

• Blurry or distorted central vision

• Distortion of color

• Clear peripheral vision

• Dark area in center vision

• Line distortion making straight lines appear bent or wavy

​

There is no cure for macular degeneration; however early detection through eye exams may help prevent vision loss. There is a macular degeneration treatment for both the dry kind and the wet kind. Specially formulated vitamin supplements are available for the dry kind and help slow it down. Laser treatment or injections for wet macular degeneration may be used to slow the progression of the disease.