Macular Degeneration and Other Treatments Available at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a breakdown of the macula - the small part of the retina located in the back of the eye. The macula is what makes the sharpness of vision possible. As the macula begins to break down, or degenerate, small white particles called drusen begin to form. The presence of drusen is often an early symptom of macular degeneration, although these particles do not cause vision loss alone in most cases. And not all individuals who have drusen develop macular degeneration.

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Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration, also known as the atrophic form, is the most common type of macular degeneration, accounting for roughly 90 percent of all cases. Drusen deposits forming within the retinal layers cause dry macular degeneration. However, dry macular degeneration usually does not result in severe vision loss.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration, also known as the exudative form, comprises roughly 10 percent of macular degeneration cases. It is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth at the back of the eye. These blood vessels are very fragile and can break easily, leaking fluid and blood to surrounding tissue and causing significant vision complications.

Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration results from the hardening of arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the retina. As the arteries harden, the retinal tissue is not able to receive the proper oxygen and nutrients needed for optimal functioning, and drusen begins to form in the retinal layers. Vision deteriorates as age-related macular degeneration progresses.

The exact cause of age-related macular degeneration is not known. Things like smoking, exposure to direct sunlight over a prolonged period, a lack of vitamin A and certain medical conditions seem to make people more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration.

Some people also seem to inherit a tendency to have macular degeneration. None of these things can really be said to cause macular degeneration, however, and there is no sure way to prevent the condition.

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