Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for your central vision, and when it deteriorates, your vision can become blurry or even disappear entirely. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults over 50. It is essential to be aware of the early warning signs of macular degeneration San Antonio to get treatment as soon as possible.
There are stages of macular degeneration, and the early stages may not have any symptoms at all. It is vital to get regular eye exams at Alamo Eye Care so that your eye doctor can catch the signs of macular degeneration early. In the early stages, you may notice that your vision is not as sharp as it used to be. You might have difficulty reading or seeing fine details. Things that were once easy to see may now be blurry or even invisible.
The earlier you catch the signs of macular degeneration, the better chance you have of preserving your vision. If you experience any changes in your vision, be sure to see an eye care professional right away.
These are some of the warning signs of macular degeneration:
Blurry vision
Blurry vision comes because the macula can no longer focus light properly onto the retina. It can result in words on a page appearing blurry or straight lines appearing wavy. It is usually a gradual change, so you may not notice it at first. A specialist will be able to diagnose this symptom during an eye exam.
Difficulty seeing at night
If you have difficulty seeing at night or in low light, it could be a sign of macular degeneration. The macula cannot adjust appropriately to changes in light, making it difficult to see in dim or dark conditions.
Trouble seeing colors
Macular degeneration can also cause trouble seeing colors, as the macula is responsible for color vision. It may cause colors to appear duller than they usually would.
A loss of central vision
As macular degeneration progresses, it can lead to a complete loss of central vision. It means you will no longer be able to see clearly in the center of your field of vision, and objects will appear blurry or completely invisible. Central vision is necessary for activities like reading and driving, significantly impacting your daily life.
A change in the appearance of straight lines
If you notice that straight lines appear wavy, it is a sign that the macula is no longer functioning correctly. This symptom is known as metamorphosis, and it can be an early sign of macular degeneration.
Blind spots in your vision
Blind spots are another early symptom of macular degeneration. These areas cannot see anything, even if you look directly at them. Blind spots can appear in your central vision or on the edges of your field of vision.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to see an eye specialist as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose macular degeneration and begin treatment to slow the condition’s progression. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but early treatment can help preserve your vision.
