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
Austin Vision Associates

11410 Jollyville Rd

Suite 3201

Austin, TX 78759 US

512-343-0406

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
  • Eyecare Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Lasik Eye Surgery
  • Insurance & Payments
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrists
    • Meet the Staff
  • Community Content
    • Eyeglasses
    • Newsletters
      • Medical Perspectives
      • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
      • Kid's Vision
      • Conditions That Affect Vision
      • Tips for Healthy Eyes
      • Contacts
      • Glasses & Frames
    • Vision Problems
    • Eye Symptoms
    • All About Eyes
    • Eye Diseases
    • Contact Lenses
    • Common Eye Conditions
      • Vision Impairment
      • Injury & Irritation
      • Eye Lids
      • Cognitive and Acquired
      • Changes in Appearance
      • Age-Related
    • What is Vision Therapy
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • 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
  • Newsletters
    • Medical Perspectives
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Kid's Vision
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Contacts
    • Glasses & Frames
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • All About Eyes
  • Eye Diseases
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Eye Lids
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Age-Related
  • What is Vision Therapy

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

Locations

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I have been soo pleased with Dr. Donna Shepherd and with Austin Vision Associates. Her demeanor is fantastic, she never condescends about age, and she has great shoes :-) In addition, I have visited AVA next door for new glasses and Patrick really hooked me up with great sunglasses. The reason I'm posting this is that I asked for a recommendation for a person that could fix my old glasses and was referred to AVA. Alyssa said, "oh, I can do that for you right now." Didn't charge me and offered me a new eye glass case. What a wonderful experience! I'll never go anywhere else."
    Hope G.
  • "Our family has been going to this office for years (about 6) and it has been nothing but exceptional service. I have used both doctors and it's the same great treatment all around. They have a huge selection in eyewear from many designers. Great place and we won't go anywhere else!"
    Nikolai W.
  • "Dr. Shepard is AWESOME, just a great guy who is highly efficient in terms of getting you in & out. I highly recommend him. The rest of the establishment? Not so much. In fact, not recommended AT ALL."
    Nav G.

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • How to Make Your Child's First Visit to the Optometrist a Success

    Worried that your child may be uncooperative during his or her first visit to the optometrist? These tips will help make the visit a positive experience. ...

    Read More
  • Makeup Tips for Sensitive Eyes

    Do your cosmetics make your eyes water and burn? Try these makeup tips for sensitive eyes. ...

    Read More
  • Does Outside Playtime Improve Children's Eyesight?

    Have you ever wondered why some people become nearsighted? Lack of time in the sun may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • Proper Contact Lens Care Keeps Your Lenses Comfortable and Clean

    Do you follow care recommendations for your contact lenses? If not, you may putting your vision at risk. ...

    Read More
  • What Happens When You Don't Wear Sunglasses?

    Have you lost your sunglasses again? Failing to wear the glasses consistently may lead to several eye conditions. ...

    Read More
  • Curbing Macular Degeneration

    Macular degeneration represents one of the most significant causes of vision loss in older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1.8 million people currently suffer from macular degeneration, with an additional 7.3 million people at risk of developing this ...

    Read More
  • Premature Babies and Vision Problems

    Prematurity can cause a range of vision problems. Fortunately, optometrists offer a range of treatments and devices that can improve your child's ability to see. ...

    Read More
  • What Do Your Eyes Say About Your Health?

    Subtle changes in your eyes may be the first signs of a health problem. ...

    Read More
  • How to Clean Your Eyeglasses

    Do you know how to clean your eyeglasses correctly? Take a look a few tips that will keep your specs cleaner. ...

    Read More
  • All About Amblyopia

    Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a visual disorder caused by abnormal vision development, often occurring during infancy. Patients with amblyopia have reduced vision in one eye, because it is not working properly in conjunction with the brain. With early detection and proper treatment, loss of ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Health Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map