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Are you experiencing blurring or a blind spot at the center of
your field of vision?
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It might be...
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
The macula is a small area in the center of the retina that is responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. Macular
degeneration results in a gradual distortion of central vision, and
sometimes leads to a central blind spot called a
scotoma. When central vision is impaired, you may
have difficulty recognizing faces and colors, driving a car, reading
print, or doing close handwork, such as sewing or other handcrafts.
There are two types of macular degeneration: the dry or atrophic
type, and the wet or hemorrhagic type.
Dry ARMD is the more common form and the less severe. It is caused by
the deterioration of the tissue of the macula. Yellowish deposits
called drusen form under the macula, causing it to
thin and dry out. There is no known treatment that prevents advanced
stages of dry macular degeneration or that can restore the loss of
central vision. However, studies have shown that taking specific
multivitamins and minerals can possibly delay intermediate ARMD from
progressing to advanced stages.
The wet form of ARMD in its advanced stages causes rapid growth of
small blood vessels beneath the retina. Affected blood vessels leak
blood and other fluid, which form scar tissue that causes vision loss.
This wet form can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy,
and injections in the eye, which can slow the rate of vision loss.
However, recurrence of vision problems over time is common after
treatment.
ARMD at a Glance:
- Is the leading cause of low vision among older people and occurs most frequently among Caucasians.
- Attacks and weakens the central portion of the eye (the macula) responsible for central vision and essential for making out detail.
- Results in blurred vision in the center of the eye and can also cause blind spots in your center of vision.
- Is a very serious condition but does not result in total blindness. In fact, with the help of a vision loss specialist,
you can learn to use your side vision to read and perform other tasks usually performed by the central part of the eye.
Possible Signs of Macular Degeneration:
- Blurry areas on a printed page
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Dark spaces in your center of vision
 Kathleen Gilmore: A Bookworm Still Video
Amsler Grid
ARMD can be detected by a self-test using an Amsler Grid. This self-test is no substitute, however, for regular eye exams.
Directions:
The pattern of the Amsler grid resembles a checkerboard. Cover one eye and stare at the black dot in the center of the grid. While staring at the dot, you may notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy. You may notice that some of the lines are missing. These may be signs of ARMD.
If you or a loved one are dealing with age-related macular degeneration, you can ask questions or share your story on the AFB Senior Site macular degeneration message board.
For More Information:
Listen to Esther Smith Discussing Out of the Corner of My Eye
Transcript of Esther Smith Discussing Out of the Corner of My Eye
Esther Smith: I have had the opportunity of reviewing several times the book entitled Out of the Corner of My Eye, and feel it is a wonderful learning tool for anyone who has that condition. The book was authored by Ms. Ringgold, who has had macular degeneration for some 10 years. It's obvious that she's a knowledgeable, educated woman who has chronilized her condition of macular degeneration from being a very slight case to an advanced case. I would certainly recommend either reading or listening to this book to anyone who has the condition of macular degeneration, not only to help you cope with your condition but also for your family to understand how you are coping and how they can help you.
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Understanding my diagnosis helped me take control of my vision loss.
