Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes the loss of your central vision. This disease develops when the macula, a part of your retina that contributes to clear vision, begins to break down. There are two types of macular degeneration:

• Dry macular degeneration: Occurs when the macula thins with age. This condition progresses gradually over several years and ultimately leads to the loss of your central vision.

• Wet macular degeneration: A less common condition that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of your eye. These vessels damage the macula and can cause faster vision loss. People 60 and over are at increased risk for macular degeneration. Other risk factors for the disease include family history, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

Mayo Family Eye Care LLC offers comprehensive diagnostic services for macular degeneration. You should schedule an eye exam if you have issues that affect one or both of your eyes, such as:

• Distorted vision

• Reduced central vision

• Difficulties recognizing faces

• Defined blurry spots in your field of vision

Your treatment plan for macular degeneration depends on how advanced your condition is. While there’s no way to reverse any vision loss you already have, the Mayo Family Eye Care LLC team can help you protect your remaining vision. The team develops a personalized treatment plan that includes Macuhealth® and Macuhealth Plus® nutritional supplements. The Macuhealth line of supplements contains all three macular carotenoids –– lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin. These ingredients are clinically proven to enhance visual performance and slow the progression of dry macular degeneration.

If you have reduced vision because of macular degeneration, the team provides resources to help you improve your quality of life. They can recommend contacts and glasses and vision rehabilitation services that help you remain independent with low vision.