Recognizing Macular Degeneration Symptoms May Slow Vision Loss

Macular degeneration is the medical term for the loss of central vision due to tissue breakdown or blood vessel leakage in the macula, the small central portion of the retina. The condition can result from traumatic injury, but is most often the result of aging. A number of symptoms can indicate its onset.

Simple breakdown of macular tissue is known as dry macular degeneration, the most common version. Early symptoms include the need for increasingly brighter light when reading or doing close work, increasing difficulty adjusting to low light levels when entering a dimly lit area, decreasing intensity or brightness of colors, and a gradual increase in the haziness of overall vision. Advanced symptoms include increased blurriness of printed words, difficulty recognizing faces, and a blurred or blind spot in the center of the field of vision

Less Common Wet Version Progresses More Rapidly

The less common wet macular degeneration is caused by leakage from blood vessels under the macula. This often occurs after the onset of dry macular degeneration and progresses more rapidly. Some symptoms are similar to those of dry macular degeneration. Additional symptoms may include visual distortion of straight lines and objects appearing smaller or more distant than they are.

While dry macular degeneration cannot be reversed, its progression in some patients may be significantly slowed by changes in diet and taking high doses of certain vitamins and minerals. Since early detection is important, annual eye examinations are recommended.

Wet macular degeneration can be slowed or even stopped with treatment. In some cases, medications injected into the eye can stop blood vessels from rupturing and even promote the growth of new, healthy blood vessels. Lasers may be used to seal off ruptured blood vessels. Another treatment uses a laser beam or high-intensity light to activate an intravenous medication.

A recent advance in treatment of macular degeneration is the implantation of a tiny telescope in one eye. The device diverts light rays to a part of the retina beyond the affected macular area, allowing partial recovery of both near and distant vision.

If you suffer from an eye disease such as macular degeneration in Clermont, contact Total Eye Care Center today. One of our Clermont eye care specialists can examine your eyes and recommend appropriate treatment options.