Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

Focus Eye Care
1155 SE Alice's Road, Waukee, IA 50263
Call us at (515) 264-2445  

MONDAY - CLOSED
TUESDAY 11AM-7PM
WEDNESDAY 8AM-5PM
THURSDAY 8AM-5PM
FRIDAY 8AM-3PM
SATURDAY/SUNDAY - CLOSED

Menu
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Insurance & Payments
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrists
  • Eyecare Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Eye Surgery
    • Hard To Fit Contacts
    • Ortho-K
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Sunglasses
  • Frames
  • Blog
  • Community Content
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Eye Diseases >
  • Macular Dystrophy

Macular Dystrophy

  • Created in Eye Diseases
Image of an elderly man's face.

You may have heard of macular degeneration, an age-related condition in which people suffer permanent vision loss due to damage in a part of the retina called macula. But you may not be so familiar with a similar macular condition that also causes vision loss -- even in young people. This condition, known as macular dystrophy, takes its cue from the sufferer's genetic makeup and produces varying degrees of vision loss. If you have macular dystrophy, understanding the precise nature of your condition can help you make smart decisions for coping with it.

Understanding Macular Dystrophy

The macula is a collection of cells in the center of the retina, the spot at the back of the eyeball that relays images to the optic nerve. In turn, the optic nerve sends images to the brain's visual center for interpretation. Photoreceptors in the macula are responsible for sending information regarding the central field of vision and the perception of colors. Macula dystrophy occurs when a buildup of pigment in the macula causes the cells to lose their ability to function. This damage may cause you to lose some or all of your central field of vision, leaving your peripheral vision intact, or it may render you color blind.

Unlike macular degeneration, which also causes a loss of central vision but generally appears late in life, macular dystrophy is a genetic mutation that can express itself in young adulthood or even childhood. (The childhood variety is known as Best disease, named after the BEST1 gene that seems to cause it.)

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suffer from early signs of central vision loss or difficulty registering colors, you may have macular degeneration or cataracts. If you test negative for those conditions, however, you may want to get checked for macular dystrophy. Your eye care professional may inject yellow-green dye into the veins of the eye to look for signs of the condition, or check for remnants of cells sloughed away by retinal disease. Electrodes can measure your eye's ability to react to light as well. These tests, along with genetic testing, can help you discover what type of macular dystrophy you may have, if any.

While no treatment currently exists for macular dystrophy, the fact that it tends to progress slowly puts time on your side. Some cases even stop progressing on their own.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Age-Related
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

Buy More, Save More!

Purchase 1 complete pair of glasses, get the 2nd pair 40% off, 3rd pair 50% off, and 4th pair 60% off!!!! Contact us for details.

Office Hours

Same day available!

Waukee Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

11:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

We are located at the corner of University and SE Alices Road

Call us at (515) 264-2445 to schedule your comprehensive eye appointment!

Contact Us
  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In