What Are Early Warning Signs of Macular Degeneration?

As we age, parts of our body also age. Macular degeneration is a condition that comes with age and causes the progressive loss of vision. It compromises your ability to go about your daily activities.

It makes it difficult to read, write, drive, recognize people’s faces, and play sports. But if you note the early warning signs, it is possible to act and slow down its progression.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

The macula is the central part of the retina that is responsible for clear, straight-ahead vision. It is also the part that helps you see color, read, write, drive, and recognize people’s faces. With age, it begins to deteriorate and get thinner. The atrophy leads to gradual vision loss in three stages. These include early, intermediate, and late dry macular degeneration.

It takes several years for the condition to progress to the late stage. If you can recognize the signs early, it is possible to act. When you do, you will prevent total vision loss. It will also improve your quality of life.

Early Warning Signs

The exact cause of macular degeneration is not clear. However, the condition affects people as they get older. The likelihood of getting macular degeneration increases the older you get. Hence, it is crucial to get regular eye exams to mitigate its effects. So, what are the early signs of macular degeneration?

Age

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of low vision in Americans over 50 years old. So if you are 50 and above, you need to get a comprehensive eye exam every year. It helps detect vision problems that result from macular degeneration. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, you can slow down its progress.

Blurry Vision

The macula gives you the ability to see objects, color, and recognize people’s faces. As soon as you start seeing changes in how you see these three things, take time to go for an eye exam. You may notice that you need more light when reading. You may also not see quite clearly when driving.

However, your peripheral vision may remain intact, and objects in this line of sight may be visible. These symptoms get continually worse. Thus, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Dark Spots

Macular degeneration makes images appear blurry and causes dark spots to appear. If you recognize dark spots in your central vision, it is time for an eye exam. In some cases, the visual spots may not be dark but white.

These shadows make it hard to focus. They are also a strong indicator of macular degeneration. Do not wait to see whether the spots will clear—act. Action is the leverage you will have to a better quality of life.

Distortion of Straight Lines

In the early stages of macular degeneration, you may realize that you cannot focus on straight lines. When you do, they appear curvy or wavy. The distortion may be disturbing when driving, reading, or playing sports. It compromises your ability to carry on with your everyday activities.

It is crucial to watch out for the early signs of macular degeneration. Make sure you see your doctor if you have any reason for concern.

For more on macular degeneration, visit Fier Eye Care & Surgery Center at our office in Port St. Lucie or Stuart, Florida. You can call (772) 400-2400 or (772) 286-0007 today to schedule an appointment.