It’s well known that age can affect one’s overall health. Muscles often weaken, bones tend to lose strength, and vision may become less keen over time. These symptoms of aging are only natural, but it’s still important to notice and address them early. One common issue associated with aging is macular degeneration. While this condition is common, it can also be fairly debilitating. That’s why it’s so critical to look out for the early signs of macular degeneration.

What Is Macular Degeneration? 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the clarity of one’s central vision. This condition occurs when the central part of the retina, called the macula, begins to break down. It usually causes one’s central vision to become blurry or darkened.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65. There are currently about 11 million people with this condition in the United States, and that number is expected to double by as early as 2050. To illustrate the effects of macular degeneration, consider the face of a clock. Someone with this condition may be able to clearly see the numbers on the outside but not the hands near the center.

Macular degeneration can occur in one or both eyes, and it appears in two common types: dry and wet. In dry AMD, yellowish deposits of lipids and proteins called drusen begin to form within the retina. With the wet form, blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak blood or fluids into the retina.

Dry macular degeneration is less severe and much more common than wet AMD. However, it tends to worsen slowly over a number of years. By contrast, the wet form may appear suddenly and without warning, though it often affects those who already suffer from dry macular degeneration. Wet AMD often responds to laser treatments and certain drugs, and the FDA recently approved an implantable device to relieve some symptoms of severe dry AMD.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration 

While there’s no cure for macular degeneration, its development can often be slowed with early treatment. Thus, it’s critical to catch the early signs of macular degeneration as soon as possible for the best long-term results. There are a number of early signs of macular degeneration including the following:

• Blurred, empty, or dark areas in the center of your vision,
• Difficulty recognizing faces,
• Contrast sensitivity,
• Poor tolerance to changing light levels,
• Issues with depth perception,
• Straight lines beginning to appear wavy, and
• The presence of drusen, which can be detected during a dilated eye exam or with retinal photography.

If you experience any early signs of macular degeneration, be sure to consult your optometrist about them at once. There are a number of tests available to check for potential concerns. The most common is a dilated eye exam, which allows the doctor to get a better view of your retina’s condition.

There are also several risk factors that predispose people to developing this condition. If you have any of these risk factors, then keep an eye out for any early signs of macular degeneration. Risk factors for macular degeneration include:

• A family history of macular degeneration,
• A diet high in saturated fats,
• Cardiovascular disease,
• High blood pressure,
• European descent,
• Age of 50 or older,
• Tobacco smoking, and
• Obesity.
  

Schedule an Eye Exam Today

It’s important to take care of your health as you get older. Chronic vision conditions like macular degeneration can often be properly managed if they’re diagnosed early. That’s why we always recommend scheduling regular eye exams with your optometrist each year. If you’re experiencing any early signs of macular degeneration, then we encourage you to contact us today. We’re happy to address your concerns and assist with your unique vision needs as they arise.