Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults. This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central detailed vision used for tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. There are two different types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Depending on the stage and type of macular degeneration, it can influence the amount of vision changes. Macular degeneration can be a vision threatening and scary condition. There are several different risk factors that optometrists want you to be aware of. Proper eye exams are essential to ensure macular degeneration is detected early Optometrists at. University Eye Associates, serving Charlotte, NC, and Davison, NC, are here to help.
Age Is a Risk Factor but Not the Only One
Macular degeneration is more prevalent with age but it’s not inevitable. Family history, genetics, and lifestyle choices may influence your risk. Changes in one's lifestyle can help make a difference for possible progression. Smoking tobacco is the number one risk factor for the progression of macular degeneration. Wearing UV protection can help protect the macula and help prevent further damage. Having a healthy diet and active lifestyle is not only necessary to the body’s overall systemic health, but ocular health as well. Eating healthy foods that are essential for the body, especially foods that are rich in antioxidants: lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin can help protect the macula from changes that can occur from macular degeneration.
Blurry Vision Is Not the Only Symptom
There are several different ocular changes that can occur from macular degeneration. Blurry vision is the most common complaint, but other symptoms can include distorted lines, difficulty seeing colors, or having a blind spot in your central vision. Sometimes experiencing these changes are difficult because we have two eyes. If only one eye is having changes related to macular degeneration, the other eye may compensate and cause us to not experience any changes in our vision. This is why comprehensive eye exams are necessary to help detect these changes. Early detection is crucial, so be aware of any changes in your central vision and schedule an eye exam if you notice any troubling symptoms.
There Are Treatment Options
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for macular degeneration. However, depending on the type and severity, treatment options exist to help slow the progression and potentially improve vision. These may include nutritional supplements formulated specifically for macular degeneration, anti-VEGF injections, and potentially more.
Regular Eye Exams Are Essential for Early Detection
Eye exams with your optometrist near you can be vital for early detection of macular degeneration. During these exams, your optometrist will assess the health of your macula and discuss any concerns you may have. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, potentially preserving your vision for longer. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam and University Eye Associates, serving Charlotte, NC and Davidson, NC, and the surrounding areas. Our team is committed to providing eye care of patients of all ages. We are dedicated to help manage your visual needs and help maintain your ocular health. Call us at (704) 251-6476 for our University location, (704) 269-6576 for our Davidson location, and (704) 385-7120 for our Harrisburg (Rocky River) location.