$Unique_ID{BRK00836}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Causes the Center of Vision to Become Blurry?}
$Subject{eyes vision retina degeneration Sense senses eye sight macular macula
Peripheral side vision scar tissue leak break blood vessels}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes the Center of Vision to Become Blurry?


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QUESTION:  I am 58 years old and have always had good eyesight.  I've never
had to wear glasses, but lately I have been having a weird problem with my
vision.  The very center of my field of vision is blurry, while everything
else is in focus.  What could cause this?  Am I going blind?  Is there any
treatment for what I have?

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ANSWER:  Without seeing you in person, I naturally cannot make a positive
diagnosis, but what you have described sounds like macular degeneration.  The
macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for sight in the center of
the field of vision.  Peripheral or side vision is usually not affected.
Macular degeneration is caused by damage or the breakdown of the macula.  In
about 70% of cases, the degeneration is caused by aging.  As patients get
older, the tissues of the macula thin or break down.
     Another 10% of cases are caused by a leak or break in the blood vessels
that nourish the back of the eye.  When this happens, scar tissue can form,
and often new abnormal blood vessels grow in the scar tissue.  Central vision
may become severely distorted and blurred.
     Other more rare forms of the condition are inherited or caused by injury,
infection or inflammation.  There is no cure for the most common age related
form of this problem, and judging from your age, this is probably what you
have.  You can be reassured, however, that you will not go blind, since this
problem affects only the center of vision.  There are currently many low
vision optical aids that can help improve your condition.  Some of those
available include spectacles, special hand or stand magnifying devices and
even closed circuit television.
     The most important thing to remember is that in the majority of cases
these aids can help the patient lead a relatively normal life, but you must
see an ophthalmologist immediately.  We can use his expertise to assure us of
the diagnosis, and offer advice as to appropriate treatment which may be
available to solve this problem.  For example he may suggest laser treatment
to stop the slow leak of blood from capillaries, and he will certainly be
aware of the latest in the changing world of new developments in therapy for
this vexing situation.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.