Macular Degeneration
The macula, or “yellow spot,” is the area of best visual acuity on the retina. Macular degeneration is a condition where changes in the vessels lead to deficiencies in protective substances and oxygen. As a protection against this, our bodies form new blood vessels to transport oxygen and protective substances. These blood vessels destroy the macula between the retina and the underlying tissues. While this does not lead to blindness, a number of everyday activities that require good visual acuity become difficult: reading, driving, and/or watching TV. Existing macular degeneration cannot be reversed. However, the progress of the disease can be prevented with medication or laser treatment.
