Macular degeneration is an age-related eye condition that affects the patient’s central vision. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina. People with the condition have difficulty seeing objects directly ahead. The peripheral vision is unaffected, so the disease does not cause blindness. The disease has no cure, but there are treatments to prevent the worsening of vision.

Understanding Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration usually affects people over 50 and is a primary cause of vision loss among individuals over 60. It may develop in one eye but eventually affects both eyes. One eye may be more severe than the other.

While the condition is usually age-related, it can also affect younger individuals due to various factors. Risk factors for the disease include being overweight, smoking, having high blood pressure, and having a family history of AMD. Caucasians have a higher risk of developing the disease. Consuming diets rich in saturated fats can increase the risk.

Main Cause of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is usually genetic, but it can also affect individuals with no family history of the disease. It occurs when the macula at the back of the eye begins to deteriorate. It is unclear what causes the wasting, but age is a contributing factor.

When macular degeneration is not age-related, it may be due to head injuries, diabetes, and infection. AMD can also be linked to regular consumption of diets lacking vital nutrients. There are two main types of the disease—dry MD and wet MD.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

The macula transmits images from the eye to the brain. If it is damaged, the brain cannot read or understand the images. Most people with AMD do not have symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Over time, these symptoms appear:
 

• Blurry vision

• Difficulty seeing in low light

• Problems identifying colors

• Low vision

• Straight lines appearing wavy

• Dark or blank spots in the field of vision

If you experience changes in your vision, contact an eye doctor right away for a diagnosis.

Diagnosing Macular Degeneration

An eye exam is vital for diagnosing macular degeneration. The regular eye exams can help detect the disease in its early stages. They allow eye doctors to check for changes in the retina and macula. During diagnosis, the doctor will conduct several tests. They include:
 

• Dilated eye exam

• Amsler grid test

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

• Fluorescein angiography

• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)

Treating Macular Degeneration

There is no cure for AMD, but there are treatments that can slow or manage the condition. Early treatment can slow disease progression or reduce symptom severity. Treatment depends on the disease type, stage, and other factors.

Treatment options include medications, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and nutritional supplements. Eye care providers can recommend vision aid devices and supportive services to preserve vision.

AMD progresses through various stages—early, intermediate, and advanced or late MD. Most symptoms usually become evident in the late stage, but doctors can detect early signs during eye exams. Wet MD develops at an advanced stage. Management can help slow vision loss.

For more information on macular degeneration, visit Clarity Vision in Clayton, North Carolina. Call (919) 550-4801 to schedule an appointment today.