EYE CARE Q: What is macular degeneration? A: There is a thin multilayered structure on the inside of your eye called the retina. The retina is the part of the eye that absorbs light and tells the brain what we are seeing. The macula is the part of the retina that gives us our 20/20 central vision. As we get older our body ages, including our Dr. Kynndyl eyes. Our eyes use a lot of energy to see, and as a result it Giannonatti creates a lot of waste. As we get older our eyes aren't as efficient at clearing out the waste it creates. It leaves behind waste deposits in our retina called drusen. As more drusen build up over time in the macula, the retina becomes irregular. This is called dry" macular degeneration. As the condition worsens the macula can thin and vision can decrease. There is no cure for dry macular degeneration. However, studies have shown taking specific vitamins made for macular degeneration can slow the progression of the disease. Many of my patients ask about people who get injections into the eye for macular degeneration. This is because they have "wet" macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration is when there is abnormal vessel growth in the macula, which can be treated by injecting medication into the eye. Age is a risk factor for macular degeneration, so the older we get the higher the risk. The risk for developing macular degeneration is also higher in people who smoke or for those who have a family history of macular degeneration. This is why it's important to have your eyes dilated annually as you get older to screen for macular degeneration. Optometrist WHELAN Care Eye 1900 DIVISION ST. W, BEMIDJI, MN (218) 759-1430 WHELANEYECARE.COM EYE CARE Q: What is macular degeneration? A: There is a thin multilayered structure on the inside of your eye called the retina. The retina is the part of the eye that absorbs light and tells the brain what we are seeing. The macula is the part of the retina that gives us our 20/20 central vision. As we get older our body ages, including our Dr. Kynndyl eyes. Our eyes use a lot of energy to see, and as a result it Giannonatti creates a lot of waste. As we get older our eyes aren't as efficient at clearing out the waste it creates. It leaves behind waste deposits in our retina called drusen. As more drusen build up over time in the macula, the retina becomes irregular. This is called dry" macular degeneration. As the condition worsens the macula can thin and vision can decrease. There is no cure for dry macular degeneration. However, studies have shown taking specific vitamins made for macular degeneration can slow the progression of the disease. Many of my patients ask about people who get injections into the eye for macular degeneration. This is because they have "wet" macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration is when there is abnormal vessel growth in the macula, which can be treated by injecting medication into the eye. Age is a risk factor for macular degeneration, so the older we get the higher the risk. The risk for developing macular degeneration is also higher in people who smoke or for those who have a family history of macular degeneration. This is why it's important to have your eyes dilated annually as you get older to screen for macular degeneration. Optometrist WHELAN Care Eye 1900 DIVISION ST. W, BEMIDJI, MN (218) 759-1430 WHELANEYECARE.COM