Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Treatment

Low vision rehabilitation treats vision loss created by macular degeneration.

Low vision is a loss of eyesight that makes important tasks like reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car or recognizing faces difficult, if not impossible.  Low vision patients can use  special high-power glasses and a variety of devices to improve their vision.

Macular degeneration is usually an age-related eye disease that can result in considerable vision loss. It occurs when the macula, or center part of the retina providing 20/20 vision, begins to breakdown.

The macula is an extremely important  part of the retina used for seeing.  It allows us to focus and carry out many vision related duties like reading, writing, driving and crafts.

The macula is essential for crisp detail vision.  The peripheral retina (side vision) is designed for detecting general objects (awareness) and motion (when you catch something move out of the corner of your eye).  The peripheral vision is very important helping you see your general surroundings, but for detail vision you need a healthy macula.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent vision loss of vision for individuals who are above age 60.  The chances of developing significant macular degeneration increases with age.

There are two forms of macular degeneration: wet and dry.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is considered the most common (80-90%) and consists of yellow deposits (drusen) developing in the macula. In dry macular degeneration, blind spots develop within the line of vision.  The decrease in vision is usually gradual and takes many years to develop. There is not effective treatment for this form of the disease.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is more prone to rapid and severe vision loss if not treated.  In this condition blood vessels develop and leak fluid behind the macula.  Current treatment involves a series of injections to stop the vessels from developing.

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Some macular degeneration indicators include:

1.       It is more difficult to read  (“not enough ink on the page”)

2.       Straight lines and objects appear wavy

3.       Letters or small words “come and go” when you read

Macular Degeneration Risk Factors

Advancing age is the number one risk factor for developing this condition

 Other Risk Factors
       1.   Smoking or history of smoking

       2.   High blood pressure, vascular disorders

       3.   Caucasian descent

       4.   High saturated fat diet

 

       5.   Diet lacking certain vitamins and antioxidants

       5.   Sunlight exposure

       6.   Farsightedness

About Dr. Randolph Kinkade

Dr. Kinkade has a master of public health degree (MPH) from the University of Connecticut where he concentrated his studies on the prevalence and treatment of low vision.

He is a founding member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists.

Dr. Kinkade is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry Low Vision Section and a member of the Vision Rehabilitation Section of the American Optometric Association.

He has offices throughout Connecticut: Cheshire, Danbury,Farmington, Litchfield, Manchester, Norwalk and Waterford.

Additional information can be found on his website www.LowVisionEyeglasses.com. He can be contacted at 800.756.0766 and emailed to rkinkade@optonline.net