Scotoma Definition
Scotoma Causes
Listed below are the main causes of this blind spot: √ Macular Degeneration √ Strokes √ Traumatic Brain Injuries √ Disorders that affect the retina, choroid, or the optic nerve √ Result of laser photocoagulation treatment Central ScotomaThe most common cause of this blind spot is macular degeneration. The frustrating part of macular degeneration is that the peripheral vision remains fine, while the more important central vision that we need for daily living becomes impaired. There are different types of blind spots depending on where the vision loss appears. With macular degeneration, it is called a central scotoma. The decreased, lost or blurry vision with this type affects our straight ahead or central vision. The macula is a tiny spot in the back of the retina that is responsible for this central vision. As macular degeneration progresses the photoreceptor cells, especially the cone cells, often die because of problems with getting oxygen and nutrients to the cells and waste products building up. Symptoms1) A spot in the center of our vision that can be dark, very light, or blurred2) Need for more light 3) Need for more contrast 4) Difficulty perceiving certain colors As a person's
macular degeneration
progresses the central blind spot may become larger.
Search this site by typing in a keyword and the results will be displayed below: Loading Eccentric ViewingHaving a blind spot in the center of your vision is very disabling and frustrating. I don't want to diminish this loss nor how it affects the independence of those who are living with one...but I don't want to leave you thinking that there is nothing out there to help you.You may never have heard of eccentric viewing before, but it is simply a name given to a new way of looking at things. Eccentric viewing is a technique that involves looking slightly away from an object in order to see it using your peripheral vision instead of your straight ahead or central vision. By using your peripheral vision you are using the rod cells instead of the damaged cone cells in the macula or fovea. Although our cone cells are responsible for detailed and color vision, the rod cells, with some training, can adapt to help with these functions. The eyes and the brain can learn new techniques and ways of seeing the world with: 1) proper training 2) lots of practice 3) the appropriate visual aids To learn more about eccentric viewing contact a
low vision
rehabilitation center.
ResearchCurrently there is a Phase I/II Study to "Evaluate Scotoma Reduction in And Limited Visual Acuity in Age Related Macular Degeneration Patients Treated With Intravitreal Lucentis."The study which is in New York is not accepting any new volunteers but the estimation for completion of this macular degeneration study is January 2009. Another study using photodynamic therapy (PTD) was conducted by Donald C. Fletcher from the University of Alabama. In this study of 64 volunteers, 42% experienced a reduction in the size of their retinal blind spot after receiving PDT with Visudyne. For More Information:
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