Our Physicians
Mark Eanes, M.D.
Lance Haluka, O.D.
Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the term used to describe the breakdown of the macula, the central part of the retina on the back inside wall of the eye.
When light enters the eye, it is focused onto the retina. This delicate light-sensing membrane captures images, like the film of a camera, and sends them to the brain where vision is interpreted. The entire retina is important for good vision, but the central portion, known as the macula, is much more sensitive than the peripheral areas. The macula contains the greatest concentration of cones, the light receptors that make detailed vision and colour vision possible. If the macula deteriorates, the affected eye will be unable to perceive detail, such as print on a page, or to see the world in vivid colour. Progressive macular degeneration often results in a complete loss of central vision, but it does not lead to total blindness since the peripheral (side) vision is unaffected.
Types and Causes
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of central vision loss in North America. There is more than one type of macular degeneration, but the results are similar for people affected with the disease.
- The Dry Form: The dry form is the most common type of macular degeneration. In theses cases, the delicate tissues of the macula become thin and stop working well.
- The Wet Form: The wet form of macular degeneration is not nearly as common as the dry form, but it is potentially more damaging. It is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels behind the macula. These abnormal blood vessels leak and form scar tissue. Sometimes, the dry form of macular degeneration can turn into the wet form.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis
Since macular degeneration develops differently in each case, the symptoms also vary. Some of the common symptoms include:
-
A loss of ability to see objects clearly
-
Distorted vision—objects appear to be the wrong size or shape—straight lines appear crooked
-
A loss of clear colour vision
-
A dark or empty area appears in the centre of the vision
People who think they may have a macular problem need to see an ophthalmologist for a thorough retinal examination.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dry Eyes
A shortage of tear production by the tear glands in the eyelid.
A chronic condition, which is common, is known as keratitis sicca or "dry eyes" which means that the eyes are not being properly lubricated. The onset of dry eyes may be a result of aging, arthritis, pregnancy, vitamin deficiencies, sinus ailments, hay fever, cold symptoms, medications, wearing soft contact lenses, or allergies. Overexposure to smoke, sun, wind, smog, air conditioners, forced air-heat and hair dryers may aggravate a dry eye problem.
Patients with dry eyes complain that their eyes feel gritty, itchy, burning, red and dry. Other complaints are that their eyelids "stick together" in the morning or that they're overly sensitive to light. Frequent tearing or "watering" eyes, are a common symptom in some patients, where the "emergency" tear system tries to overcome the dryness by flooding the eyes. The surface of the eye is normally covered with a three-layered surface film called the tear film. This film lubricates and moistens the eye by forming tears. Through periodic blinking, the tears are spread over the eye. Because the film's outer layer is oily, evaporation of tears is minimized. The absence of this oily layer will increase evaporation 10 to 20 times. The middle, and thickest, layer is composed of the tears. The inner mucus layer coats the surface of the eye and holds the tear film together.
There are three ways for tears to leave the eye: By evaporation, by running over your eyelid and onto your cheek, and by running down into your nose through your tear ducts. Dry eyes cannot by cured. Its symptoms, however, can be alleviated through the use of artificial tears and eye ointments, preventing or slowing down the evaporation of tears, or by blocking or closing the tear ducts. Your doctor may recommend artificial tears, which can be purchased over-the-counter at any pharmacy.
During sleep, tear production decreases, and an ointment may be recommended for use at bedtime. It may also be helpful to prevent or slow down the evaporation of tears by using a cool-mist vaporizer or a humidifier. Blocking or closing the eye's tear duct openings is the most effective approach to treating dry eyes. This method backs up or preserves the fluid or tears that are present. A temporary blockage is accomplished by using a punctum plug. If the result is satisfactory to the patient, a laser can be used to permanently close the tear duct.
