Macular Dystrophy
The most common form of macular degenerative disease develops in older people and is called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is usually inherited and causes progressive loss of vision that distorts or blurs what we see straight ahead. This eye disease affects a tiny portion of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for our detailed and sharp vision and for seeing faces or objects straight ahead of you - the center of our vision. Usually the side or peripheral vision is not affected. Macular Dystrophy SymptomsThe symptoms can range from mild loss of vision to severe vision loss. They can include:
loss of central vision
blurry vision loss of night vision difficulty reading distorted vision loss of contrast sensitivity trouble discerning colors photophobia or a dislike of bright lights
Macular Dystrophy TreatmentAt this time there is no medical treatment or treatment to prevent the progression of this eye condition.Usually, they main course of action is to assist the child in using the vision they do have and instructing them on the use of visual aids. If you are interested in learning more about eye vitamins or the use of microcurrent stimulation you may contact Dr. Marc Grossman, a licensed optometrist and acupuncturist. Marc is an international lecturer on natural eye care, author of four books on vision and natural eye care, and practitioner since 1980. Contact Natural Eye Care by clicking here: Vision Health Treatment Options & Nutrient Recommendations To read more about microcurrent stimulation click here: Microcurrent Stimulation There are several types of this genetic eye disease. Vitelliform Macular DystrophyIn this genetic eye disease, a fatty yellow pigment (lipofuscin) builds up in the cells under the macula. Gradually these deposits accumulate and damage the photoreceptor cells that are critical for sharp, straight ahead vision. Symptoms are loss of central vision, and blurry or distorted vision. This accumulation of lipofuscin can be detected during an eye exam. There are two forms: 1) The childhood, early-onset form known as Best disease. 2) The adult-onset form begins later, usually in mid-adulthood, and tends to cause vision loss that worsens slowly over time. The two genes, BEST1 and PRPH2, develop mutations which then cause this disease to develop. Obviously, BEST1 mutations are responsible for Best disease. Only in some cases does it cause the adult-onset form. Changes in the PRPH2 gene can also cause the adult-onset form. Surprisingly, in less than a quarter of all people with vitelliform macular dystrophy, have these mutated genes been found. In most cases, the cause of the adult-onset form is unknown. Sorsby'sThis eye disease is also called macular cyst, or cystoid macular degeneration.It usually develops or manifests symptoms in those who are between 20 and 40 years of age. Please come back soon and I will have more information on Sorsby's.
Stargardt's
The most frequent occurrences of early onset macular dystrophy are Stargardt's. It is usually seen after the age of 6 and before the age of 20. Although they may have had it for some time, some people may not be aware that they have this disease until they are 30 or 40 years old.Stargardt's is an autosomal recessive, hereditary condition. This means that the defective genes are contributed from both parents (who are carriers) but neither parent has the eye disease. Males and females are affected equally. Click here to read more about Stargardt's:
Stargardt's
Low Vision AidsThere are many aids for low vision such as computer screen magnifiers, reading magnifiers, large print books and talking watches. Click here to read more: Low Vision AidsFor More Information:Go from Macular Dystrophy to Juvenile Macular Degeneration
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