Macular Disease & Degeneration FAQs

What is Macular Disease?

The macula of the eye is the portion of the retina that allows a person to focus on the fine details, such as reading, writing and pinpoint focus. It's the central portion of the retina and is most often what's affected by disease and degeneration. Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. Macular edema is the result of inflammation and swelling in the area. Any type of macular disease can result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Blurred vision, floaters and wavy lines are all indicators that some form of deterioration has occurred.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

Doctors don’t fully understand why the macula begins to deteriorate, but they do know that aging is the primary risk factor. As we get older, the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision—can gradually break down. When this happens, everyday tasks like reading, recognizing faces, or seeing fine detail become more difficult.

While age plays the biggest role, several factors are known to increase the risk or speed up progression, including:

• Smoking
• Genetics (family history)
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease

Types of Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AMD is one of the most common causes of poor vision after age 60. While many genetic and environmental factors relate to the development of AMD, the common thread that connects this group of vision-threatening conditions is age beyond 65 years. Hypertension, obesity, and smoking are recognized risk factors.

There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD):

How Are Most Forms of Macular Disease Treated?

When the macula is affected, total blindness is uncommon. Most macular conditions impact central vision, while peripheral (side) vision is usually preserved.

Treatment focuses on:

• Slowing disease progression
• Preserving remaining vision
• Maintaining independence and quality of life

Treatment Options May Include:

Intravitreal Injections

• Anti-VEGF injections are commonly used to treat wet AMD
• Help reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and retinal fluid
• Injection therapy is also available for select patients with advanced dry AMD (geographic atrophy) to slow progression

Advanced Medical & Laser Therapies

• Laser or in-office procedures may be used for macular conditions involving leakage or abnormal vessel growth
• Designed to stabilize the retina and reduce further vision loss

Valeda Light Therapy

• A non-invasive option for select patients with dry AMD
• Uses targeted light energy to support retinal cell function
• May help slow disease progression

Low Vision Rehabilitation

• Specially trained occupational therapists and low vision specialists provide:
  • Visual aids
  • Adaptive tools
  • Techniques to maximize remaining vision for daily activities

Implantable Visual Devices

• In select cases, implantable devices such as telescopic lenses may be surgically placed in the eye
• Can improve functional vision and quality of life

Because macular disease affects each person differently, treatment plans are highly individualized based on disease type and stage.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with macular degeneration—or are noticing changes in central vision—early evaluation matters.

Schedule a comprehensive retinal exam to learn which treatment options, including advanced laser therapies and Valeda Light Therapy, may be right for you.