The Types Of Macular Degeneration You Get
Among older individuals, macular degeneration is the top cause of blindness or vision loss. This degeneration refers to the tissues around the macula, which is the part of the retina that allows for sharp vision.
The dry version of macular degeneration is actually the early stage of the disease. Although its exact cause is not known, it is believed to be caused by age and the thinning of the macular lining.
The main characteristic of dry macular degeneration is when drusen appears. Drusen are spots, yellowish in color, that are caused by deposits from the deteriorating tissue around the macula. Dry macular degeneration does not cause as severe vision loss as the wet version, but no definitive treatment has been found. Some studies have shown that certain vitamins may slow the progress of the degeneration.
The other, more severe, version of macular degeneration is characterized by a process known as neovascularization. This term refers to the formation of new blood vessels. It is actually the body's attempt to repair the damage of dry macular degeneration. Instead, it only causes further damage ultimately leading to blindness. The damage is caused by leakage that permanently damages the cells of the retina. Only a small fraction of people with dry macular degeneration progress to the more severe wet version.
The wet version also comes in two categories with one being less severe than the other. The occult version does not form as many vessels and less leakage occurs. The other category, though, causes severe damage to the vision. The classic category forms a multitude of new vessels that can be seen beneath the retina. The leakage of these vessels is also more pronounced. Thus the most severe damage is done with classic wet macular degeneration. - 17273
The dry version of macular degeneration is actually the early stage of the disease. Although its exact cause is not known, it is believed to be caused by age and the thinning of the macular lining.
The main characteristic of dry macular degeneration is when drusen appears. Drusen are spots, yellowish in color, that are caused by deposits from the deteriorating tissue around the macula. Dry macular degeneration does not cause as severe vision loss as the wet version, but no definitive treatment has been found. Some studies have shown that certain vitamins may slow the progress of the degeneration.
The other, more severe, version of macular degeneration is characterized by a process known as neovascularization. This term refers to the formation of new blood vessels. It is actually the body's attempt to repair the damage of dry macular degeneration. Instead, it only causes further damage ultimately leading to blindness. The damage is caused by leakage that permanently damages the cells of the retina. Only a small fraction of people with dry macular degeneration progress to the more severe wet version.
The wet version also comes in two categories with one being less severe than the other. The occult version does not form as many vessels and less leakage occurs. The other category, though, causes severe damage to the vision. The classic category forms a multitude of new vessels that can be seen beneath the retina. The leakage of these vessels is also more pronounced. Thus the most severe damage is done with classic wet macular degeneration. - 17273
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