Macular Degeneration

Vision is a complex process that occurs automatically with your eye.  Your cornea (the clear outer most portion of your eye) is the first tissue involved in the visual process.  It takes in the light which enters through your iris (the color portion of your eye), pupil (the black hole or center of your iris), to the natural lens onto the central portion of the retina, called the macula.  The macula is responsible for your clearest central vision.  With Macular degeneration, your sharp central vision is affected. 

There are two types of macular degeneration; wet and dry. 

Dry Macular Degeneration:

Your Middlesex Eye Physician ophthalmologist may notice changes in your macula such as yellowish deposits under your macula.  If changes are noted, your ophthalmologist will monitor your macula by introducing you to a home test, called an Amsler Grid (Amsler Grid.)  Amsler grids help you, the patient, notice any subtle changes that may occur with your diagnosis.  Your ophthalmologist may suggest a vitamin regimen (AREDS).

Wet Macular Degeneration:

Wet macular degeneration is abnormal blood vessel growth under that macula that may leak blood and fluid.  There are treatment options for macular degeneration that you can discuss with your ophthalmologist.