According to the National Eye Institute, over two million adults in the United States have age-related macular degeneration with that number expected to double within the next thirty years. While one defense against age-related vision loss is a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential in order to protect the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision.
Macular degeneration is a progressive ailment affecting the cells at the rear of the eye responsible for central vision. This deterioration impairs your ability to see objects directly ahead clearly over time. Tasks like reading, writing, and recognizing faces or colors become increasingly challenging as the condition advances. Early signs of macular degeneration include shadowy areas in central vision and distorted or fuzzy vision. While advanced cases can lead to legal blindness due to significant central vision loss, peripheral vision, though less clear, typically remains intact. Fortunately, most individuals don't experience vision loss in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration, and progression is often gradual and painless.
Eye doctors can often identify early signs of macular degeneration before symptoms arise. Additional tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis if signs are present. Once diagnosed, treatment will be prescribed to manage the condition and slow its progression.