Eye Conditions Associated with Blindness L-M

Macular Hole: What is it?

The macula is the central part of the retina, a thin membrane that lines the back wall of the eye. The macula is responsible for your distance, color, and reading vision. The very central part of the macula is called the fovea, which is the location responsible for detailed vision. This is the region that is affected by macular […]

Macular Telangiectasia

Macular telangiectasia (MacTel) is an eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, by causing small blood vessels to swell, leading to vision loss. It affects about 2 million people worldwide and has two main types: Type 1, which typically affects one eye in young men, and Type […]

Boy holding a phone up close to his face, trying to read the screen.

Marfan Syndrome

What Is Marfan Syndrome? Marfan syndrome is a genetic, usually inherited disorder of the body’s connective tissue. It is present at birth, yet the features are not necessarily immediately present. Marfan syndrome can affect the heart and blood vessels, skeletal system, eyes, and other parts of the body. People with Marfan syndrome are often nearsighted, […]

Young girl close-up with ocular prosthesis.

Microphthalmia

What Is Microphthalmia? Microphthalmia is a condition in which one or both eyes are unusually small. An individual with microphthalmia may have accompanying birth defects, as microphthalmia is a genetic mutation. Genetics Home Reference states that one-third to one-half of people with microphthalmia have it as a component of a syndrome (range of related birth defects). How […]

Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration (L-ORD)

A genetic retinal disorder. Onset typically occurs in a person’s fifth to sixth decade. Symptoms include night blindness, progressing to severe central and peripheral degeneration with choroidal neovascularization and chorioretinal atrophy. Because it is late onset, it is often mistaken for regular macular degeneration. Note, however, that this disorder, in its severest state, affects both […]