What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a medical condition that affects the central part of the retina, the macula, and leads to the loss of central vision. This condition primarily affects older people and is the leading cause of severe visual impairment in people over 50 years of age.
What is the macula?
The retina is a layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye. The images of what we see are reflected onto it. It is a highly vascularized layer, with many blood vessels nourishing it. On it, we find two structures that are of utmost importance. The first is the optic nerve. Technically, the optic nerve can already be considered a separate structure, but since its origin is located precisely in the center of the retina, it is usually considered part of it. The other structure is the macula. It is a small spot located right next to the optic nerve. It has a different color from the rest of the retina because one of its parts, the fovea, has fewer blood vessels, giving it a darker hue.
Why is the macula so important?
The macula accounts for only 5% of the total area of the retina. However, its importance is immense, as its structure allows us to focus and fix our gaze, distinguish colors, and perceive movement. Macular degeneration affects precisely this area.
To understand the importance of the macula, it is enough to say that when we read a book, the words we are reading are projected onto this structure; when we look at a person, their face is reflected on the macula, and when we are driving, we fix the movements of the car in front on the macula to avoid a crash.
Types of macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is divided into two main types: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular).
- Dry: This is the more common form, accounting for about 80–90% of cases. It occurs when the macula thins over time as part of the aging process, leading to a gradual deterioration of central vision. Drusen, small yellow deposits beneath the retina, are often an early sign of dry age-related macular degeneration.
- MoistAlthough less common, wet macular degeneration is more severe and can cause rapid vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid, damaging the macula.
