At University Eye Associates, serving Charlotte, Davidson, and Harrisburg (Rocky River), NC, we are committed to providing expert care for your eye health. One condition that can significantly impact your sight is macular degeneration. It affects the macula, which is the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. Here’s what you need to know about this condition, its symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. It occurs when the macula, located at the center of the retina, begins to deteriorate. This part of the eye allows us to see fine details, read, drive, and recognize faces. As the macula breaks down, the ability to see clearly and sharply becomes increasingly difficult.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two primary types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.
- Dry Macular Degeneration: Dry macular degeneration is the most common form and progresses slowly over time.Dry macular degeneration happens when deposits, called drusen, accumulate in the macula over time. In early stages, patients likely do not have any noticeable vision changes. As the condition progresses, it may lead to blurry or distorted vision. In advanced stages, there is cell death that leads to atrophy of layers in the macula called geographic atrophy. Geographic atrophy leads to central vision loss and can cause difficulty reading.
- Wet Macular Degeneration: This less common but more severe type occurs when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina and leak fluid. This can cause rapid vision loss, leading to distortion or blurriness.
Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of macular degeneration can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Some common signs include:
- Blurry or distorted central vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- The need for brighter light when reading or doing close work
- Colors that appear less vivid
- Dark or empty areas in central vision
In the early stages, macular degeneration may not cause noticeable symptoms. That’s why regular eye exams are crucial, especially for those over the age of 50.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection and treatment can help manage the condition and slow its progression. For dry macular degeneration, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet including green leafy and colorful vegetables, no smoking, and regular exercise may be beneficial. In intermediate stages of the dry form, eye vitamins that include high concentrations of vitamins can help slow progression of the disease to the wet form. In contrast, the wet form may require approaches like anti-VEGF injections and laser therapy to help prevent further vision loss from leakage.
Visit Our Optometry Clinic for Care Today
If you are experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration or are at risk, our team at University Eye Associates is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our effective solutions and schedule your appointment. Our clinic also serves Charlotte, Davidson, and Harrisburg (Rocky River), NC, and we look forward to improving your eye health. When you need an optometrist near you, we’re ready to assist!