Macular Degeneration
Should You Be Worried About Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people fifty years of age or older. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye disease that occurs when tissue in the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for central, detailed vision, deteriorates. Central vision becomes limited; however, side vision remains clear. There are two types of Macular Degeneration, “dry” and “wet”.
Dry is the most common type of Macular Degeneration. In the early stages, changes in vision may be hard to notice. Over time, your central vision slowly worsens. You may notice wavy lines and blank spots in the center of your vision. Colors may look dim. There is no way to restore vision lost from dry macular degeneration; however, it should be monitored closely because it can turn into wet macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration is less common but more serious. Vision loss is quick and severe. You may suddenly notice dark spots, blank spots, wavy lines and dim colors in the center of your vision. If wet macular is caught early, laser treatment may help slow further vision loss.
A healthy macula is necessary for normal central vision acuity. Early detection and treatment may help reduce the severity of vision loss; therefore, every person over the age of fifty should have an annual eye examination, especially those who have a family history of macular degeneration.
