Eye Conditions

Macular Degeneration is a serious eyesight-threatening disease and is considered the leading cause of vision loss, effecting more than 10 million people in the US today. An incurable eye disease, Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the middle portion of the retina. This central portion is responsible for recording images and sending them to the brain. Deterioration of this part of the eye causes loss of focus in vision and affects the ability to do everyday tasks such as reading, driving, recognizing familiar faces, and focusing on fine details.

The root cause of Macular Degeneration are not conclusively known at this time, although it is known that the causes are complex, and can include heredity and environment. Risk factors for the disease such as race, genetics, and smoking should be factored into determining the need for an exam.

Early detection is key in getting treatment, although there is no known cure for the disease; it is possible to slow the progression once diagnosis has taken place. If there are certain factors in place, there maybe ways to reduce the risks of the disease developing.