What Is Macular Degeneration? – Symptoms & causes
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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.
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:
- Age 50 and over
- Family history
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- White people
Prevention of macular degeneration
No, it is not possible to prevent macular degeneration
- Genetic factors
