![]() ![]() Central vision can become blurry, distorted, wavy or dark as the disease progresses. Visual symptoms are variable in the early stages and can affect one eye more than the other. Abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) can eventually develop in the macula and lead to significant loss of vision. Deposits known as drusen form under the retina which, over time, can grow in size and number leading to visual symptoms. Ninety percent of people with macular degeneration have the dry form and experience gradual loss of vision, while ten percent of individuals with macular degeneration have the wet form and experience rapid, severe vision loss. There are two forms of the condition, the earlier dry (non-neovascular) and more advanced wet (neovascular) macular degeneration. It usually does not affect peripheral vision. ![]() It affects the central area of the retina called the macula, which is responsible for crisp, detailed vision required for activities such as reading and driving. Retinal detachments occur that cannot be repaired in which case visual loss is permanent.Īge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe vision loss in the elderly population. In some cases only partial vision is restored. Most surgical repairs are successful but visual recovery may take months. Depending on the clinical findings, your doctor may recommend a pneumatic retinopexy, a scleral buckling procedure or a vitrectomy. If a retinal detachment is present a more complex surgical procedure is required to repair and reposition the retina. Retinal tears are treated with laser surgery or cryotherapy which seal the retina and prevent it from detaching. Other conditions that may contribute to a retinal tear include nearsightedness, severe eye trauma, intraocular surgery, family history of retinal detachment, weak areas in the retina known as lattice degeneration or a history of retinal detachment in the other eye. The fluid can then lift the retina off of the back wall of the eye. This tension may cause a retinal hole to form through which fluid can pass. The most common cause of a retinal tear and subsequent detachment is the contraction of the vitreous gel inside the eye exerting tension on the retina. Typically there is no pain or discomfort associated with a retinal tear or detachment. As symptoms progress, the vision may be obscured by a shadow or gray curtain-like feature which may signal a retinal detachment. SymptomsĮarly symptoms of a retinal tear include new floaters (particles floating in the vision) and the onset of flashing lights. Left untreated, a retinal detachment can lead to blindness. Once detached, the retina stops functioning. Vitreous fluid can then leak through the tear and accumulate beneath the retina causing the retina to detach from the back wall of the eye. As one ages, the vitreous gel inside the eye contracts and as a result can pull on the retina. It senses light and sends signals to the brain which in turn interprets these signals and converts them to images resulting in vision. The retina is the nerve layer which lines the back of the eye. ![]()
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