Size of Macula & Scotomas

by Tina and Nadia
(Denmakr)

One of our older relatives has been diagnosed with wet AMD, and my daughter is writing a paper on that for school. She wants to draw an exact sketch of the retina with the macula and show how a scotoma may look, and I have been helping her find the information.

However, we have not been able to find anything about the diameter of the macula and the size of a typical scotoma (for an advanced case of wet AMD). Can you help us out on that? Thank you VERY MUCH!!!

Best regards, Tina and Nadia

Answer

The size and depth of the retina is about that of a stamp and the size of the macula is like a tip of a pencil.

Scotomas vary in size and shape with each patient.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

To learn more about scotomas go to:
Scotoma

Blood Shot Eye with Macular Degeneration

Hi,

My mum has macular degeneration (she hasn't been told if its wet or dry yet)and over the weekend she has developed a bloodshot eye - in the inside corner of her eye. It stretches between the tear duct and the coloured part of her eye.

Is this an effect and if it is what does it mean?

Thank you for your help.

REPLY

Thanks for your question.This does not sound as if it is related to macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration affects the retina which is the inside lining of the eye.

The outside of the eye can turn red for many unrelated reasons, but certainly not a manifestation of macular degeneration.


Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Dr. Wong is a Retina Specialist in Fairfax Virginia

Retina Specialist
Fairfax Virginia

Macular Degeneration Symptoms - Watery eyes?

by Diane
(Huntington Beach, ca)

I have wet in one eye and dry in one eye MD and was wondering if this would cause my eyes to be watery?

Both my eyes have been really watery.

REPLY

Hi Diane,

Watering eyes is not one of the typical macular degeneration symptoms.

The most common symptoms are loss of contrast sensitivity, loss of one's central vision, blurred vision, and straight lines appear wavy.

If you spend lots of time using your eyes for close up vision - whether it's on a computer or a low vision CCTV you may be experiencing a symptom of computer eye strain.

However, it is always a good idea to be communicating any eye symptoms you are having with your eye doctor.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Mind Tricks You - Seeing Things that are Not There

Does Macular Degeneration cause a person to see things such as people that are not there?

REPLY

I am so glad you asked this question because people with macular degeneration should know about a syndrome called Charles Bonnet Syndrome

It is the name of a condition that results in people seeing things that they know really are not there. A person may "see" people, objects, or animals. Or they may see patterns of things. It is most commonly experienced by older people who have had severe loss of vision, including those with macular degeneration.

To learn more click here:

Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Kind Regards,

Leslie

Visual Hallucinations - A Symptom of Macular Degeneration?

by Anthony

M mother has macular degeneration. She has recently got three shots in her eye two weeks ago to prevent this disease from advancement.

She is 79 years of age. Since that time she is seeing tigers and monsters. Is this normal?

REPLY

Hi Anthony,

Charles Bonnet Syndrome is the name of a condition that results in people seeing things that they know really are not there.

A person may "see" people, objects, or animals. Or they may see patterns of things. It is most commonly experienced by older people who have had severe loss of vision, including those with macular degeneration. To learn more about Charles Bonnet Syndrome click here:


Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

by John
(Florida)

I'm extremely distressed by what seems to be macular degeneration symptoms in my right eye, after having perfect vision until the age of 47.

Is there any hope of getting treatment that won't cost the earth, as I'm not on any medical plan yet? Avastin and/or Lucentis seem promising. Are there any trials being done in Florida that I can take part in? Thank you. John

REPLY

Hi John,

First you need to get to an eye doctor as soon as possible for an eye exam and diagnosis. You can't get into a clinical trial without that first.

If you can't afford and eye exam you can check with your local Lion's Club. You may find a number in your local directory. Here is their main telephone number 630-571-5466.


EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye care is provided through volunteer ophthalmologists at no cost to those who qualify.

Macular Degeneration Help

Let us know what the eye doctor tell you.

Kind Regards,

Leslie