DEAR DR. GOTT:
Could you please write something in your column about macular degeneration? I have the dry kind.
DEAR READER:
I am not an ophthalmologist but will do my best.
Macular degeneration is an age-related disorder of the eye. It causes deterioration of the macula which is located in the center of the retina. It commonly occurs in individuals over the age of 50. The dry variety of this disease simply means the deterioration is not accompanied by bleeding. It is also the more common form.
Macular degeneration does not cause total blindness; rather it affects only central vision. Central vision is what we use for everyday tasks such as reading, driving, detail work and recognizing faces.
Symptoms can include needing increasingly brighter lights for reading or close up work, difficulty recognizing faces, increasing difficulty adapting to low light levels, a gradual increase in haziness of overall vision, increasing blurriness of printed words, a decrease in the brightness of colors and a blurred or blind spot in the center of the visual field. Sufferers may also notice one eye is affected more than the other or one is not affected at all. Early in the disorder this may not be noticeable because the stronger eye compensates for the weaker one. Some individuals may even start having hallucinations. Known as Charles Bonnet syndrome, these common visual abnormalities are not a sign of mental illness in individuals with macular degeneration. These “visions” can appear as unusual patterns, animals, geometric shapes or faces.
It is important to have regular eye screenings, especially after the age of 50. Don’t be afraid to tell your eye doctor about your symptoms, including hallucinations. The ophthalmologist can perform specialized testing to determine the cause of the problem.
Currently there is no treatment available to reverse dry macular degeneration. However, because it progresses slowly, most individuals can lead fairly normal lives. It is important to be checked regularly because of the increased risk of developing the more rapidly progressing, severe form, wet macular degeneration.
Most eye specialists recommend high doses of antioxidants and zinc to reduce progression. Speak to your physician about this possibility if you are not already taking a formulation. You may also be helped by getting glasses, using magnifiers, increasing lighting in the home and purchasing house-hold items, such as clocks, telephones and more with extra-large lettering and numbering.
For others interested in learning more about this common, age-related disease, I recommend you go online to www.MayoClinic.com/health/macular-degeneration/DS00284. The Mayo Clinic does a spectacular job of explaining the disorder, possible causes, symptoms, tests, treatment and self-help techniques. The websites covers many disorders, common to uncommon in an easy-to-understand way.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott