Macular Degeneration: Symptoms, Causes

2004

What Is Macular Degeneration? – Symptoms & causes

Other names: AMD, age-related macular degeneration

Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a major cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision. You need a central vision to see objects clearly and to perform such tasks as reading and driving.

Let’s know what is macular degeneration?

AMD affects the macula, a part of the eye that allows you to see in fine detail. It does not hurt, but it causes cells in the macula to die. There are two types: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. These new blood vessels often leak blood and fluid. Wet AMD quickly does macula damage. Blurred vision is a common early symptom. Dry AMD occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. You gradually lose your central vision. A common initial symptom is that straight lines appear crooked.

Routine comprehensive eye examination can detect macular degeneration. The first disease causes vision loss. Treatment can slow vision loss. It does not restore vision.

NIH: National Eye Institute

Symptoms of macular degeneration

The following symptoms indicate a macular degeneration:

  • Visual distortions
  • Decreased central vision in one or both eyes
  • Decreased intensity or brightness of colors
  • Blind spot or blurry in field of vision
  • General ambiguity in overall vision
  • Bright light is required when reading or working close
  • Habitual increase in difficulty for low light
  • Blurred growth of printed words

Common causes of macular degeneration

The following are the most common causes of macular degeneration:

Abnormal blood vessel growth
Fluid buildup behind the eye

Risk factors of macular degeneration

The following factors may increase the likelihood of a macular degeneration:

Prevention of macular degeneration

No, it is not possible to prevent macular degeneration

  • Genetic factors