Understanding Eye
Disease |
The leading causes of blindness will double their impact
in the coming years as the nation's 76 million baby boomers
reach older adulthood. Four eye diseases - age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa,
and diabetic retinopathy - affect millions of people every
year, each in very different ways.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
AMD impairs vision by attacking the retina. AMD is a degenerative
disease that affects the macula, a small spot in the central
area of the retina located at the back of the eye. The
macula is responsible for sight in the center of the field
of vision and is the most sensitive part of the retina.
The condition affects central vision. It is the leading
cause of blindness and vision impairment in people 65
years of age or older. Surgery is the only treatment currently
available. Yet, it helps only a small percentage of victims.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases usually associated with
increased pressure within the eye. This pressure can
cause damage to the cells that form the optic nerve,
the structure responsible for transmitting visual information
from the eye to the brain. The damage is progressive
with loss of peripheral vision first, followed by reductions
in central vision and, potentially, blindness. Glaucoma
is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa refers to a number of disorders
affecting the retina. Although it typically appears
in people between the ages of 10 and 30, one type of
this disease in infants can blind a child within six
months of age. Currently are not enough donors to meet
the need for research in this area. Illnesses in other
organs can also impact the function of the eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease affecting the
blood vessels in the retina (the back layer of the eye)
of people with diabetes. The small blood vessels in
the retina become weak and break down or become blocked.
If left untreated, blindness will follow. More than
half of all American diabetics eventually develop retinopathy.
Due in part to the availability of donor tissue, 90
percent of people with advanced diabetic retinopathy
can be saved from blindness.
More Information
For more information about eye disease, visit the Prevent
Blindness America web site.
You can also visit Pfizer's Vision
Diseases and Conditions Simulator to help you understand
the possible progression of some of the more common
eye diseases and conditions.
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