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HEALTHY EYES: MACULAR DEGENERATION
The retina is capable of two kinds of vision: central and peripheral. With central vision you distinguish detail at close range as in reading and sewing, and at a distance as with following road signs. Peripheral vision allows you perception of your surroundings including objects and movement not in the direct line of sight. Peripheral vision prevents collisions with others when walking or driving.
Central vision is performed by the macula, the tiny spot in the center of each retina. In macular degeneration it is this minute area which deteriorates, gradually blurring and eliminating central vision but leaving most of the peripheral vision intact. The deterioration is most common in the aged from hardening of the arteries. Thus, macular degeneration is partial or total loss of the sensitive macula area in the retina providing sight and color vision resulting in a reduced ability to see.
Sometimes macular degeneration occurs prior to old age, from hereditary or other causes not yet understood by medical science. If the disease is limited to one eye, the patient may continue to function normally. Where the condition occurs in both eyes, functioning is altered and a reorientation of goals and work must be undertaken.
Treatment of macular degeneration is administered with new technology using a focused laser beam. The treatment is not uncomfortable to the patient and often doesn\'t even require hospitalization. Optical devices known as low-vision aids also are used for macular degeneration. These are various types of magnifying lenses which provide enlarged images for the victim of macular degeneration.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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