Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

What You Should Know about Macular Degeneration

eye doctor with patient

Macular degeneration (MD) is an eye disorder that affects your central vision. It’s caused by the deterioration of the macula of your eye, which is located within the retina. You can be tested for macular degeneration during your annual eye checkup at Positive Eye Ons in West Hollywood. Here’s what you should know about this eye disease.

Types

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Of the two, dry MD is more common. It occurs when tiny, yellow deposits (drusen) develop beneath the macula, causing damage to the retina.​​​​​​​

Symptoms

Macular degeneration can often go unnoticed in the early stages due to little change in your vision. As the disease progresses, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Distorted vision, especially when it comes to distinguishing straight lines

  • Loss of central vision

  • Inability to see clearly in low lighting

  • Blurry vision

  • Trouble recognizing facial features

As MD only affects central vision, it won’t cause total blindness.

Causes

The exact cause of macular degeneration isn’t known, although age plays a key role in the development of this disease. If you’re overweight, smoke, have heart disease, or a family history of MD, you’re more prone to developing this eye disease.

Diagnosis/Treatment

Macular degeneration can be detected in an eye exam. Your eye doctor will dilate your eyes to check for yellow deposits in the macula. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, inform your West Hollywood optometrist. We’ll look for the cause of loss of clarity in your vision.

Although there’s no cure for macular degeneration, we can help you take measures to slow down its progression to preserve your central vision. If you do have macular degeneration, we may recommend you see a low vision rehab specialist learn how to cope with the loss of central vision. Surgery may also help improve your field of vision.

See Your West Hollywood Eye Doctor for MD Diagnosis and Treatment

To consult with a West Hollywood eye care specialist about macular degeneration, contact Positive Eye Ons at (323) 651-5646 today.​​​​​​​

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