Recognizing Early Symptoms of Macular Dystrophy

Macular dystrophy is a group of genetic eye diseases that can significantly disrupts the function of your macula. The macula is an essential part of the retina that encompasses our direct line of vision that is important for fine detail. Signs of macular dystrophy can be subtle in the early stages before progressing to central vision loss and even blindness. A comprehensive eye exam from your optometrist at University Eye Associates can detect this condition and help you manage it.

Understanding Macular Dystrophy

The macula is a small region in the retina in the back of the eye. The macula is vital to our central vision and color perception. Macular dystrophy is different from macular degeneration. Macular dystrophy encompasses several genetic eye diseases that can cause the macula to deteriorate, impacting your ability to read, drive, and recognize faces. Many forms of macular dystrophy reveal themselves during childhood or adolescence, but can also occur later in life. The most common macular dystrophy that occurs during childhood is Stargardt’s and Best disease. Best disease, also known as adult vitelliform macular dystrophy, usually does not affect the vision until later in life around the fourth or fifth decade.

Early Symptoms of Macular Dystrophy

While macular dystrophy is primarily genetic, people can develop this condition due to genes mutating during childhood or as an adult. Therefore, symptoms can vary from person to person. The most common early symptoms of macular dystrophy include black spots in your central vision, lines appearing bent or wavy, and/or increased light sensitivity. People can also experience loss of color perception as the disease advances. Many of these symptoms can be subtle and do not become apparent until the later stages of macular dystrophies.

Importance of Eye Exams

There may not be visual symptoms during the early stages of macular dystrophies; therefore, comprehensive eye exams are crucial to help detect signs early. Full comprehensive eye exams are important for ensuring your ocular health is maintained.  While there are no direct cures for macular dystrophy, early identification can help your optometrist slow the progression of the disease and/or effectively manage it.

Schedule an Eye Exam at University Eye Associates Today to Protect Your Eyesight

Regular examinations by an optometrist allow for the early diagnosis and management of macular dystrophy, so contact University Eye Associates in Davidson, Harrisburg (Rocky River), and University (Charlotte), NC, to schedule an eye exam and protect ocular health. Call us and schedule an appointment today at our Davidson location at (704) 896-9090, our Harrisburg (Rocky River) location at (704) 536-6042, or our University (Charlotte) location at (704) 547-1551.