Age-Related Macular Degeneration FAQs 

The macula is responsible for the center of our vision, and most patients have issues with central vision. Blurry vision, distortion or waviness, and depth perception issues are common symptoms. You also experience night vision difficulty and more sensitivity to glare. It also becomes more difficult to recognize faces. Many symptoms are similar to cataracts, so scheduling an appointment with our optometrist is essential to get a proper diagnosis. 

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: wet and dry. Dry is more common, resulting from proteins that accumulate in the macula. Wet macular degeneration is more advanced and occurs when blood vessels leak into the eye. Wet macular degeneration can also cause blurriness and black spots, and it's also possible that only one eye is affected. 

Macular degeneration can compromise your vision, but you will not be completely blind. Your peripheral vision is usually intact at advanced stages, but you will not have the same clarity as a person with healthy retinas. The disease affects the center of your vision. Getting intervention quickly is crucial to have a better quality of life.

Several lifestyle habits may be linked to macular degeneration, including smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet, and obesity. Leafy green vegetables and anti-oxidants are helpful for the prevention of the disease.

Age-related macular degeneration can result from genetic and environmental factors, but you may be more prone to the disease if your parents or grandparents had the disease. 

If you have symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, don't wait to seek treatment. At Eye Care Associates Inc. in Boardman, East Liverpool, Youngstown, and Warren, OH, we will help you manage the disease. Our optometrist will provide treatment options for macular degeneration. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us at (330) 746-7691.