Worried about Macular Degeneration

Are You Worried About Macular Degeneration

Written by True Eye Experts

What is Macular Degeneration?

As you get older, your eyes become more susceptible to age-related eye conditions. Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in adults 50 and over. This condition is characterized by small deposits called drusen producing buildup on the macula, blocking out light, and causing blurred vision.

 The early stages of Macular Degeneration are not noticeable to the untrained eye, making eye exams even more crucial. As the condition worsens, you may notice straight lines blurring in the center of your vision. You also may need extra light when focusing on objects such as a book or a menu.

In the advanced stages of Macular Degeneration, you will see a blind spot developing near the center of your vision. You may notice you are having a lot of trouble reading, recognizing faces, and performing your daily routine.

What causes Macular Degeneration?

Although the exact causes of Macular Degeneration are unknown, there are certain aspects that will raise your likelihood of developing this condition. Things such as obesity, increased sun exposure, smoking, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and a bad diet are all contributing factors. Hereditary factors such as a family history of Macular Degeneration and light-colored eyes are also thought to increase your risk for developing Macular Degeneration.

What are the signs and symptoms?

During the early stages of Macular Degeneration, symptoms may not be noticeable at all. As the drusen thicken and grows, you will notice symptoms occurring. It is vital to see an eye doctor right away when you begin experiencing these symptoms:

  • Blurry or fuzzy vision
  • Gray, empty, or dark spots in the middle of your vision
  • Straight lines appear to be wavy
  • Colors seem paler or lighter than they should be
  • Objects seem smaller than they actually are

Can Macular Degeneration be prevented?

Medical professionals have identified ways to help alleviate the stress of Macular Degeneration, and to help delay the onset of this condition:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight by working out regularly
  • Quit smoking
  • Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing protective gear outside, like hats and sunglasses
  • Controlling your blood pressure
  • Consume a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables, fruit, fish, and whole grains

While there are no definitive answers about how to stop Macular Degeneration and what causes it, all eye care professionals agree that the best way to prevent further damage to your eyes is by having regular eye exams. By talking openly with your eye doctor about your lifestyle and family history, your doctor can assist in developing a plan to ensure that your eyes stay strong and healthy.

Preventing and Identifying Macular Degeneration

At True Eye Experts, we are committed to providing the best eye care for our patients. That’s why we are proud to be one of the first eye care practices in Florida to offer MPOD testing. MPOD stands for Macular Pigment Optical Density and can help determine the risk of getting Age-related Macular Degeneration. Measurements overtime can assess changes in the macula and allows doctors to prescribe preventative measures and early treatment.

With 1/3 of all people are at risk of developing Macular degeneration regular monitoring is key to preventing irreversible vision loss. Ensure your eyes are at their healthiest by scheduling an appointment with True Eye Experts today!

About the Author

True Eye Experts

Our mission at True Eye Experts is simple — provide the best possible care to our patients. We make sure we’re doing this a few different ways. Our V-Eye-P Exam is one of the most comprehensive eye exams in the industry. We use state-of-the-art medical technology to screen, diagnose, and treat more conditions than most other providers in the area. We have an extensive collection of designer eyewear that can complement any patient’s face, style, and budget, and our advanced contact lens fitting process can help even “hard-to-fit” patients wear contacts comfortably. Book an appointment online at one of our True Eye Experts locations, conveniently located throughout Central Florida. Have questions or prefer to book over the phone? Give us a call today.

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