If you’ve noticed that your vision is fading with age, you may suffer from age-related macular degeneration. Find out more about this disease and how to protect your eyesight.
What is macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that causes central vision loss. This blurry vision is due to damage to the macula, the central part of the retina.
There are two types of AMD, dry and wet. Dry age-related macular degeneration is more common and tends to advance slowly. On the other hand, wet AMD is not as common and usually involves faster vision loss.
True to its name, the onset of age-related macular degeneration is most common in individuals over the age of sixty. It is also the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans aged 65 and older.¹
Signs of macular degeneration
Early detection is key, but the signs of AMD can be subtle at first. Watch out for:
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Blurred or fuzzy central vision
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Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
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Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
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Dark or empty areas in the center of your vision
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Colors appearing less vivid than before
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye exam right away—early diagnosis can help slow progression and protect your eyesight.
What causes macular degeneration?
The exact cause of AMD isn’t fully understood, but several factors can increase your risk. Age (people over 60 have a higher risk), a family history of AMD, and lifestyle factors like smoking and poor nutrition can all contribute. Chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease may also further increase your chances of developing AMD.
How to prevent vision loss from AMD
While being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration can be frightening, early diagnosis can help slow down the progression of the disease and decrease vision loss.
Here are some ways you can protect your eyesight:
- Getting your eyes checked, especially if you are over the age of 60
- Scheduling annual eye exams to ensure early detection
- Learning about AMD and its symptoms so you are more likely to recognize the signs of early onset
- Encouraging your parents, grandparents, or other loved ones who are older to get their eyes checked
- If you are diagnosed with AMD, following your doctor’s care instructions and recommendations
- Sharing your story of AMD online or with others to raise awareness about the condition
- Taking preventative action against AMD, such as taking vitamins or supplements recommended by your doctor
Personalized care for macular degeneration
At Vision Salon, we understand that eye conditions like AMD can be scary, but we are here to help you and your loved ones. Not only can we diagnose these diseases, but we can also help with eye disease management in Cook County so that you can get the care you need and potentially slow down the progression of the disease.
The first step is to schedule an eye exam to diagnose the problem as early as possible. Call to make your appointment today.
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