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Are Retinal Degeneration And Macular Degeneration Are The Same Thing?

Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015

Question: Hi Doctor,

I don't want to be a bother with so many questions, but I am just wondering if retinal degeneration and macular degeneration are the same things? I couldn't find any clear answers on Google.

I just noticed in my medical record that the doctor said I have retinal degeneration.

I used Prednisolone off and on for about 4 years, sometimes my pressure levels were too high and I had to stop taking it. I no longer take this medicine.

Could the extended use and sometimes overuse of this medication have caused permanent problems of retinal degeneration and/or macular degeneration that cannot be reversed? Will it cause complete or significant loss of vision?

My pressure levels are fine now and have been fine for at least two years.

I have recently had a barrier laser in each eye to seal up retinal holes in both eyes. The holes were located in the top and bottom of retina. Do you think it would be a good idea to use the laser on the entire retina of each eye?

Can 20 mg of Lutein improve vision for me?

Finally, my last 3 vision tests (about one vision test each year for the past 3 years) have shown that my vision has become slightly worse each time. Could this be considered normal?

I appreciate all of your help! It is difficult to reach the doctors at this clinic.

Very respectably

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Retinal and macular degenerations are different.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care magic

I am Dr Dadapeer k an ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye.
I reviewed your history.
Please find the answers to your questions as below.

Retinal degeneration is usually used to indicate the degeneration of the retina involving the peripheral part of the retina, whereas macular degeneration is used to indicate the degeneration involving the central part of the retina called as macula.Hence both are different, with one affecting the periphery and the another one affecting the central part of the retina.

Prednisonole use will not cause retinal degeneration or macular degeneration. The use of steroids can cause raise in intraocular pressure called as glaucoma or cataract. Since your pressure levels have come down now no need to be worried.

Barrier laser is done for peripheral retinal problems like retinal holes to prevent the development of retinal detachment and it is a safe procedure. Hence it is advised in problems like retinal holes in the periphery of the retina.

Lutein is an antioxidant and is useful supplement for healthy eyes, but it will not improve vision but it will provide good health to the eyes.

Slight variation of vision can be considered normal and no need to be worried about it.

Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dadapeer K (2 hours later)

Thank you so much for the kind and informative letter Doctor Dadapeer.

Will the retina in my eyes continue to deteriorate or degenerate until they're so thin that they just dissolve or break to the point that I could go blind? Is there a good chance I won't lose vision or go blind?

Should I have my entire retina in each eye laser zapped (not scientific terminology I'm sure, ha-ha:) as a precautionary measure against additional retinal holes?

Very Respectably,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This will not lead to blindness, no need to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for the follow up question.

The peripheral retinal degenerations until unless complicated by development of retinal detachment will not lead to blindness. Laser will prevent any chance of development of retinal detachment. Hence once treatment by laser is done to the peripheral retinal degenerations like retinal holes,no problem will occur.

The laser is not required to the entire retina only the involved retina is lasered.

The only thing required is follow up in 3/6 months to look for any new sites of degenerations and treatment accordingly.

Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj