Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes for the loss of vision in westernised countries. The macula is the central, acute viewing part of the eye responsible for the good vision that we use to read, drive and perform precision tasks. Macular degeneration is the accumulation of “drusen” at or near the macula that tends to increase with advancing age.
There are two main types of macular degeneration, these are the “wet” and the “dry” kind. The “wet” kind denotes the accumulation of blood and fluid at the macula that is caused by new blood vessels growing. This is the type that is now treated with Lucentis injections, the Lucentis works by inhibiting the growth of these vessels and for many people restoring sight.
“Dry” macular degeneration is managed with changes to lifestyle such as the cessation of smoking and eating a diet high in anti-oxidants like green-leafy vegetables and, in consultation with your doctor, taking supplements. These are also effective for the “wet” kind of macular degeneration in conjunction with the Lucentis treatments.