6 Warning Signs of Macular Degeneration You Shouldn’t Ignore
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over the age of 60. Also called macular degeneration, it affects millions of people worldwide, causing them to lose central vision.
In most cases, macular degeneration develops slowly, and permanent vision loss may have already occurred by the time it is diagnosed. Knowing the warning signs of the condition can help protect the quality of your vision as you age.
Keep reading to learn more about six warning signs of macular degeneration you shouldn’t ignore.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that primarily affects your central vision. It is caused by damage to the macula, the structure within the eye that processes what you see in front of you.
In addition to its role in clear central vision, it also helps the eye to see crisply and to distinguish between subtle differences in color and shape. It contains a high concentration of “cones,” the light-sensitive cells responsible for seeing fine detail and colors.
There are two main types of macular degeneration: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is the most common type, accounting for up to 90% of all cases.
Dry macular degeneration occurs when tiny deposits of eye proteins and fats, called drusen, collect under the macula. As drusen collect, it causes macular cells to deteriorate and die off, impairing their ability to function properly.
This type of macular degeneration develops slowly, and is often asymptomatic in its earliest stages. It can take years for dry macular degeneration to cause noticeable vision impairment.
Wet macular degeneration is a rarer type of the condition. It is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels that damage the macular cells and lead to harmful scarring.
This type of macular degeneration often occurs randomly, in an acute attack. If not treated immediately, it can cause sudden vision loss that may be irreversible.
Warning Signs of Macular Degeneration
Although there is currently no proven way to prevent macular degeneration, you can catch it in its early stages by knowing the signs and symptoms of the condition. Here are six of the warning signs of macular degeneration:
- Difficulty Seeing in Low Light - One of the earliest signs of macular degeneration is difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. You may find that you need brighter light to read or perform small tasks, read a menu in a restaurant with ambient lighting, or walk outdoors at night.
- Impaired Night Vision - Developing macular degeneration can impact your ability to see at night with confidence and safety. Impaired night vision can make driving after dark dangerous for both you and your fellow drivers.
- Decreased Color Vibrancy - As the cones within the macula die off, you may experience a noticeable decrease in color vibrancy. Once-bright colors can appear drab and faded, and you may also have difficulty in distinguishing between shades of the same color.
- Visual Distortions - Perceiving straight lines as curved or wavy and other visual distortions is another warning sign of macular degeneration. Visual distortions can be disorienting and increase your risk of preventable accidents, such as slips and falls.
- Blurry Vision -As macular degeneration progresses and more damage is sustained by the macula, you may develop blurry central vision that worsens over time. Blurry vision from the condition can have a significant impact on your independence and overall quality of life.
- Dark or Empty Spots in Central Vision - If you are experiencing dark or empty spots in your central vision, you are likely to have advanced macular degeneration. Once they have appeared, these spots usually continue to expand and may eventually cause complete and permanent vision loss.
What are the Treatments for Macular Degeneration?
There is no known cure for macular degeneration, and damage to the macula can’t be reversed. Treatments for the condition focus on slowing its progression, preserving the quality of existing vision, and preventing vision loss. The current treatments for macular degeneration include:
- High-dose antioxidant nutritional supplements containing a combination of vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
- Intravitreal Injections such as anti-VEGF drugs, complement inhibitors, and steroids, can be used to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels, slow damage to macular cells, and reduce inflammation.
- Laser therapy to seal off leaking blood vessels and prevent a buildup of intraocular pressure, which can further damage the macula and other eye structures.
- Photodynamic therapy also aims to seal off abnormal blood vessels using a laser and a light-sensitive medication that is injected into the bloodstream.
Macular degeneration can seriously impact your vision as you age, so it’s essential to know as much as you can about this common age-related eye condition, especially its warning signs. When you know what to watch for, you can help ensure that developing macular degeneration is diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Are you experiencing signs or symptoms of macular degeneration? Schedule an appointment at Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, or Rexburg, ID, today!
