What Is Macular Degeneration And What Causes It?
Macular degeneration is a slowly progressive disease that causes a reduction in central vision. In the early stages of the disease, the effect on vision may be minimal or unnoticeable. As the disease progresses, fine detail becomes more difficult to see, especially when reading. Vision may appear distorted, or parts of objects may appear to be missing. Macular degeneration is classified in two stages: dry and wet. In the dry form, a scar slowly develops over the macula causing decreased vision. In the wet form, blood vessels grow under the retina and leak, causing a large scar and severe visual loss. This leakage is not connected to watery eyes. There is no pain associated with macular degeneration. No one is totally sure what causes macular degeneration. Heredity, the environment, age and general health may all be factors. Recent studies indicate that exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as well as deficiencies in certain vitamins and trace minerals, may also affect macular degeneration
