The Telltale Signs of Macular Degeneration: How to Spot the Symptoms Early
Macular degeneration is a condition that mostly affects people over the age of 50. It occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina) deteriorates, making the eye insensitive to light. Macular degeneration is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. If left untreated, macular degeneration could lead to vision loss and sometimes permanent blindness.
Early detection is key to treatment and preserving vision. At Elite Vision Eye Care in Maywood, NJ, we want the very best for our aging patients. That's why in today's post, we'll be discussing the telltale signs of macular degeneration to catch it early on and preserve your vision.
Visual Distortions
One of the first and most common symptoms of macular degeneration is visual distortion. This could manifest as wavy lines, dark spots, or blind spots in your vision. If you experience any of these distortions, it's important to see an optometrist immediately for further evaluation.
Reduced Central Vision
Reduced central vision occurs when you have difficulty seeing objects that are directly in front of you, and they appear blurry or fuzzy. This is one of the earliest signs of macular degeneration and warrants a trip to the eye doctor ASAP. We highly discourage patients with reduced central vision from driving or operating complex machinery.
Changes in Color Perception
Macular degeneration can also cause changes in your color perception. This symptom is often characterized by an inability to see certain colors or hues. The most common imperceptible hues are blues and greens.
Blurry Vision When Reading Printed Words
If you're having trouble reading printed words or seeing blurred text when looking at a computer screen, macular degeneration might be to blame. This is because of the deterioration of macula cells that are responsible for sharp, central vision. Unlike other visual conditions, glasses don't correct blurred vision caused by macular degeneration.
Decreased Color Brightness
In addition to changes in color perception, macular degeneration can also cause colors to appear dimmer than they actually are. This symptom is caused by the thinning of macula cells that are responsible for sensing light. Although it doesn't alter your overall perception of color, it can be quite frustrating not to see the true depth of colors.
Difficulty Adapting to Low Light Conditions
If you find that you're having difficulty adapting to low light conditions or night blindness, macular degeneration might be the culprit. This is because macular degeneration affects the ability of the eye to adjust from bright to dim lighting.
Visit Our Maywood, NJ, Eye Doctor for Prompt Macular Degeneration Treatment
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, we highly recommend that you visit your local optometrist for macular degeneration treatment. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving your vision.
Contact Elite Vision Eye Care in Maywood, NJ, for comprehensive eye exams to detect early signs of macular degeneration. Your eye health is our priority.
