Macular degeneration is an eye disease affecting many individuals, particularly in older adults. It can cause significant loss of central vision, impacting daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. With so much information available, it's natural to have questions. Here, we address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about macular degeneration. If you are interested in more information about your eye health, contact us at University Eye Associates in Davidson, NC, and Charlotte, NC.
What Are the Different Types of AMD?
Macular degeneration is when there is damage to the outer retina causing waste deposits to build up within the layers. This damage can cause fluid or bleeding to occur, transitioning the condition from one type to another. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry (also known as non-exudative) and wet macular degeneration (also known as exudative). Dry macular degeneration progresses slowly and is more common. Wet macular degeneration affects the vision a great deal more and can advances rapidly. Wet macular degeneration is when there is fluid and/or bleeding within the retina and can cause a great deal of vision changes.
What Are the Symptoms of AMD?
Blurry central vision is a typical symptom of macular degeneration, but not the only one. Others include difficulty seeing colors or having a dark spot in your central vision. If you experience any of these, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist near you in NC. Dry macular degeneration in the early stages may not have any visual symptoms; therefore, standard annual eye exams are essential to ensure your ocular health is properly managed.
Is There a Cure for AMD and What Are the Risk Factors?
There is currently is no cure for macular degeneration, but early detection can be crucial. Depending on the type and severity, treatment options exist to help slow the progression and potentially improve vision. Decreasing risk factors can help slow down the progression of macular degeneration. Diet, lifestyle changes, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and genetics play a large role into the progression of macular degeneration. Smoking is the number one risk factor for progression, eating a healthy diet and lifestyle and wearing UV protection can help improve the health of the macula and potentially decrease damage. Improving diet to include foods that are rich in antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxathin, and mesoxanthin are helpful to macular health as well.
What Resources Are Available for People with AMD?
There are many resources available to help you adjust to vision changes and help you maintain an active lifestyle. A comprehensive eye exam is essential to help determine the underlying cause and transition you to the next steps whether that is monitoring the condition, sending to a retinal specialist for further management, or referring to a low vision specialist to discuss equipment to help improve the vision.
Get Optometry Care and Macular Degeneration Treatment from an Optometrist Near You
If you have any concerns about macular degeneration or your eye health, contact our team at University Eye Associates, serving Charlotte and Davidson, NC. Our team is dedicated to providing you the best eye care and personalized treatment plans. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your individual needs and take control of your ocular health. Call us at 704-251-6476 (University), 704-269-6576 (Davidson), or 704-385-7120 Harrisburg (Rocky River) for optometry care and macular degeneration treatment.