SHANNAH BLANKENSHIP ASHLEI HUMPERT Macular Degeneration

Definition Macular degeneration occurs when a problem with the macula of the eye is present. The macula is either damaged or begins to breakdown. The macula is located at the back of the eye which enables us to see features distinctly.

AMD

Visual System Affected When the macula is compromised, dark or blurred vision occurs along with a progressive diminishing central vision loss. Peripheral vision is not affected.

Dry Wet Most common Tissues thin and no longer function properly Can become wet Less common More damaging Presence of abnormal blood vessels Scar tissue develops if untreated Types

Dry AMD

Wet AMD

THE LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO SEE OBJECTS CLEARLY VISION THAT IS NOTICEABLY DISTORTED STRAIGHT LINES APPEAR WAVY OBJECTS MAY APPEAR AS THE WRONG SHAPE OR SIZE THE LOSS OF CLEAR, CORRECT COLORS DIFFICULTY READING OR SEEING OBJECTS UP CLOSE A DARK, EMPTY AREA IN THE CENTER OF VISION Symptoms

Dry Wet Regular eye exams are highly encouraged No treatment to stop progression for dry macular degeneration Vitamin supplements Latest treatment  Lucentis and Avastin  Stops the growth and seepage of abnormal blood vessels  Laser treatments  Photodynamic therapy  seal leaking blood vessels  Can be used together with medication to slow the process Treatment

Herb with AMD

Bibliography Living With Macular Degeneration. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2011, from NIHSeniorHealth: research/video/md1_na.html?intro=yes National Eye Institute. (2011, July). Retrieved July 18, 2011, from Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration: National Eye Institute. (2011, January 3). Retrieved July 18, 2011, from NIH Senior Health: Patient Care. (2010). Retrieved from University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center: on.html What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration? (2011). Retrieved July 18, 2011, from eyeSmart: