Answering Your Macular Degeneration FAQs

Macular degeneration, or AMD, is a common eye disease that affects central vision, impacting your ability to read, drive, or even recognize faces. Understanding this condition and how your optometrist near you can manage it is vital for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. The Optometric Clinic in Hattiesburg, MS, is here to answer frequently asked questions about macular degeneration and how we can help preserve your visio

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What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration affects the macula, or the central part of the retina at the back wall of your eye. This region gives you sharp, central vision for activities like reading, recognizing faces, driving, and seeing fine details. When the macula becomes damaged from macular degeneration, it leads to loss of central vision. The condition usually develops in both eyes but may affect one eye ahead of the other.

What Types of Macular Degeneration Are There?

The two types of age-related macular degeneration are dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the most common type. This condition occurs due to the thinning and drying of macular tissues. Wet macular degeneration happens when fragile and abnormal blood vessels burst and leak under the macula. This form of macular degeneration causes rapid and severe vision loss.

What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration symptoms start subtly before progressing over time. Many people with this condition experience blurry vision, reduced central vision, visual distortions, and difficulty adapting to low light levels. Wet macular degeneration has more aggressive symptoms that occur rapidly. You may experience gaps or dark spots in your vision, especially early in the morning. Objects may change shape, size, or color as you look at them. Colors can also fade with wet macular degeneration.

Who Is at Risk of Macular Degeneration?

The primary risk factor for macular degeneration is age. People over 55 are more likely to experience macular degeneration. Other risk factors for this condition include having a family history of macular degeneration, smoking, excessive sun exposure, and obesity. Some medical conditions and being Caucasian can also increase your risk of developing macular degeneration.

How Is Macular Degeneration Treated?

While macular degeneration is incurable, early detection and management from your optometrist near you can prevent vision loss. Nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of macular degeneration progressing. Anti-VEGF injections can manage wet macular degeneration by preventing abnormal blood vessel growth. Your optometrist may recommend vision rehabilitation to maximize your remaining vision.

Protect Your Eyesight With Macular Degeneration Management From the Optometric Clinic

While you cannot cure macular degeneration, early detection and intervention from your optometrist near you can prevent significant vision loss, so contact Optometric Clinic in Hattiesburg, MS, to schedule an eye exam today. Call us and schedule an appointment with our optometry team at (601) 545-2020 to protect your eyesight from macular degeneration.