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Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Why Know About It

2020-02-28 01:00:00Z


Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Why Know About It in Alexandria, VA

Macular degeneration happens when the macula, a tiny portion of the retina starts to deteriorate. Since it occurs as people get older, it is often referred as age-related macular degeneration. The disease can get worse in the course of time. Although it may not cause blindness, it can lead to severe vision problem.

Macular degeneration comes in two forms:

  • Dry form - A yellow deposit called drusen can form to patients with dry macular degeneration. Few tiny drusen may not affect the vision. However, as they increase in number and size, it may cause distortion of the vision and patient will experience a dimmed vision. When the disease turn for the worse, the macula becomes thinner and later die. Patient can experience blind spots in the center of the vision. As the condition gets severe, patient may lose central vision.
  • Wet form - In the wet macular degeneration, blood vessels extend beneath the macula. These blood vessels drains fluid and blood into the retina. This causes distorted vision making straight lines appear rippled. Blind spots and loss of central vision may happen as well in this form. The blood vessels as well as the bleeding ultimately form a scar which causes irreversible loss of central vision.

Symptoms of macular degeneration:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dark, blurry areas in the central vision
  • Different color perception

In case you have any of these symptoms, have an eye doctor check your condition. Contact VisualEyes Optometrists as soon as possible.

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