Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness across the globe. The disease develops as one gets older and can lead to severe vision problems.

 

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that happens when the macula becomes damaged. People who suffer from the disease lose their central vision as they age.

 

Types of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can be classified into two types:

 

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration has yellow deposits in the macula. The deposits, known as drusen, cannot change your vision if they are in small amounts. However, as they grow bigger and increase in number, they distort and dim your vision. 

 

As the condition worsens, your macula light-sensitive cells become thinner and die. You may have symptoms such as blind spots in your direct line of sight. As the disease progresses, you can lose your central vision.

 

Wet Macular Degeneration

The wet form happens when blood vessels develop underneath the macula. The vessels leak blood and fluids into the retina, leading to visual distortions. You may see straight lines as wavy. You can lose your central vision, and your sight may have blind spots.

 

The leaking blood vessels eventually form a scar. As a result, you experience permanent loss of your central vision. This involves losing vision details and seeing blurry or dark spots in your field of vision, and the darkness can increase and multiply with time. You can, however, see using your peripheral vision. Thus, you can still do your daily activities using your side vision.

 

At What Age Does Macular Degeneration Start?

Macular degeneration develops in individuals above 60. It causes reduced central vision or blurred vision due to the weakening of your macula. It may first begin in one or both of your eyes and can progress and affect both your eyes. 

 

Over time, your vision can worsen and affect your daily activities such as driving or reading. You may have trouble recognizing faces. The disease can affect your central vision either mildly or severely.

 

Risk Factors of Macular Degeneration

Below are factors that heighten your risk of macular degeneration:

 

• Age - The disease is common among older adults above 60
   

• Cardiovascular disease - You can get AMD if you have had any condition affecting your blood vessels and heart
   

• Smoking - Regular exposure to cigarette smoke or being a smoker increases your risk of macular degeneration
   

• Genetics - Macular degeneration has a hereditary component. According to researchers, there are some genes related to having the condition
   

• Obesity - Being overweight progresses AMD
   

• Race - Macular degeneration affects Caucasians more than other races
  
   

Outlook for People With Macular Degeneration

Individuals with macular degeneration rarely lose all their sight. They may lose their central vision, but they can do their daily activities using their peripheral vision. Dry macular degeneration worsens slowly. 

 

The wet form is a leading cause of permanent loss of sight. It is essential to have regular eye exams to detect early vision problems for early treatment. After your diagnosis, it is ideal to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

For more on age-related macular degeneration, contact Clarity Vision in Holly Springs, North Carolina, at (919) 646-2900 today to book an appointment.