Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a disease that afflicts the macula, the tiny central part of the retina. The macula allows the eye to see fine details and perceive color; it is a crucial part of the retina.

In most cases the, one eye is affected by the disease, but eventually it spreads to both eyes.

There are two forms of macular disintegration:

• Dry macular degeneration is diagnosed in 85 percent of macular degeneration cases; the macular cells begin to break down. 
• Wet macular degeneration is diagnosed in 15 percent of macular degeneration cases, however, 90 percent of those afflicted will become blind. Fragile blood vessels behind the macula begin to grow abnormally. The vessels begin to leak blood and fluid accelerating the damage done to the macula.

Symptoms

• Appearance of drusen (spots)
• Distortion of straight lines
• Each eye perceives color differently