It is disease, which affects the retina, causing progressive loss of the central vision.  It never causes complete blindness; as the peripheral vision remains normal, but impairs a patient’s ability to read, drive, and recognize faces.

Symptoms

• Blurred central vision, where patients have difficulty with reading.
•  Experience blurred, dark, spots.
• Distortion where straight lines such as doorframes or street poles may appear bent or wavy.

Types

• Dry macular degeneration

Is the most common. It develops gradually and does not cause sudden vision loss. There is no treatment for it, but a diet high in antioxidants to delay the disease progress. Supplements of vitamins and minerals may also help delay the disease progression.

• Wet  macular degeneration

It develops when new blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These vessels may bleed or leak fluid, if it is not been treated, rapid and severe loss of the central vision can occur within a short period. Treatment for wet may include:

• Injections to minimize swelling and the growth of blood vessels.
• Laser to seal the leaking blood vessels.

Treatment

There is no treatment nowadays, but trying to maintain central vision as long as possible. Treatment also depends on the type and individual characteristics of the condition.