Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is a disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina located at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for our central vision and allows us to read, recognise faces, drive and see colours clearly. When the macula is impaired, people experience blurriness or dark spots in their central vision forcing them to rely on peripheral vision to identify objects by shape.
Treatment
The cause of Macular Degeneration is not clear however risk factors include UV exposure, aging and lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet. As with Glaucoma, early detection is key to slowing the progression of the disease as vision loss caused by Macular Degeneration is irreversible. Regular eye examinations are therefore vital.