Macular Degeneration - Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Macular Degeneration

The macula is the point of the retina in back of the eye responsible for fine vision. When the macula is damaged, images are either blocked or blurred. The condition which results, macular degeneration, is the leading cause of difficulty with reading or close-up vision in the U.S., according to Alan Rees and Charlene Willey in Personal Health Reporter.

Approximately 70% of macular degeneration cases occur in elderly people, and is caused by a breakdown or thinning of the tissues in the macula. Another 10% is due to blood vessels which burst and leak fluid that damages the macula. In both instances, vision becomes distorted and blurred as dense scar tissue develops which blocks a person's central vision. Other types of macular degeneration are genetic, or are caused by injury, infection, or inflammation of the macular. There are no noninvasive treatments for macular degeneration. Holistic therapies focus on preventing the condition through early detection and taking vitamin supplements which maintain the integrity of the macular tissue.

Nutritional Therapies.     According to an article in the April 1988 issue of Health Facts , blueberry extract, bilberry, ginkgo biloba extract, and zinc sulfate have been shown in several preliminary clinical trials to be effective in retarding severe visual loss due to macular degeneration. However, patients are advised to consult an eye specialist before taking any supplements. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin E may also be beneficial.

Biofeedback.     Dr. Joseph Trachtman claims that he has helped patients suffering macular degeneration with biofeedback treatments. Using his Accomotrac Vision Trainer machine, patients have been effectively trained to use a part of the eye other than the deteriorating macula.

Surgery.     Advanced macular degeneration can only be treated by laser surgery. Such surgery, however, according to Margolis in The Johns Hopkins Medical Handbook , can damage small parts of the retina and leave blind spots. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new prototype laser treatment which effectively seals blood leaks in wide areas of the retina without damaging it. Tests are underway to further develop the technique.