Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's?

Q: Will I Go Blind?

A: No! Though many patients become legally blind, most people with macular degeneration lose the quality of their central vision and do not become completely blind.

Q: What kind of Vision Will I Have?

A: Most patients with severe vision loss from macular degeneration can get around, dress themselves, and prepare their food. Some patients (primarily those with the "wet" type) can have more severe vision loss.

Q: Will I Get Macular Degeneration in My Other Eye?

A: Most patients with macular degeneration either have the disease in both eyes or are likely to develop in their second eye. Patients who develop "wet" macular degeneration in one eye, have an increasing chance of developing the disease in their other "normal" eye each year.

 

Q: Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary?

A: A gene has been found for a rare type of macular degeneration, but not for the kind that affects most people. We know that it is more common in light skinned, blue eyed people, but occurs in all races.

Q: I Heard about this New Treatment for Macular Degeneration. What should I do?

A: Fortunately many groups of doctors and scientists are looking for ways to treat macular degeneration. Unfortunately, the media doesn't explain that most of these treatments are not tested to prove that they work. When considering any new treatment, you should ask:

1) How many patients have been treated and how long have they been followed for side effects?

2) What are the possible side-effects or second surgeries that may be required?

3) Was this treatment proven to work by comparing it to either no treatment (observation) or another treatment.

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