Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This condition is a leading cause of vision loss, particularly among older adults. Macular degeneration can severely impact your ability to see fine details, making tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces more challenging.

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two primary forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

• Dry Macular Degeneration: This is the most common form. It occurs when the macula thins over time due to aging, leading to the gradual blurring of central vision. Small clumps of protein, known as drusen, can also form, contributing to vision deterioration.
• Wet Macular Degeneration: Though less common, wet macular degeneration is more severe. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood or fluid, causing rapid and significant vision loss. Prompt treatment is crucial for managing this form of the disease.

Symptoms

Macular degeneration often develops slowly, and symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience:

• Blurred or fuzzy vision
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Dark or empty areas in the center of your vision
• Distorted vision, where straight lines appear wavy

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection can help slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatment options can help manage the condition and protect your vision.

1. Lifestyle Modifications: For those with early-stage dry macular degeneration, lifestyle changes can be highly beneficial. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and other nutrients that support eye health, such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and lutein, can slow the disease’s progression. Additionally, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting your eyes from UV light are essential steps.
2. Medications: For wet macular degeneration, anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications are often used. These drugs are injected into the eye and work by blocking the growth of abnormal blood vessels that cause the condition. Regular injections can help stabilize and, in some cases, improve vision.
3. Laser Therapy: In certain cases of wet macular degeneration, laser therapy may be used to seal off leaking blood vessels. This treatment can help prevent further damage to the macula, though it is not suitable for all patients.

Protect Your Vision with Professional Care

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration, early intervention is key. At Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our experienced team is committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs. Don’t wait until your vision worsens — schedule an appointment with us today to explore your treatment options and take proactive steps to safeguard your eyesight. Your vision is precious, and we’re here to help you protect it for years to come.

In its early stages, macular degeneration does not cause symptoms. That is why it is critical to see a doctor as soon as possible if mild symptoms occur. That could mean the degeneration has progressed. The eye care specialists at Berks Eye Physicians and Surgeons explain signs of potential macular degeneration.

Macular Degeneration  

The macula is the area of the retina responsible for direct line-of-sight vision. It also allows you to see fine details. Macular degeneration affects central vision but not peripheral vision. While both eyes are usually affected, the condition tends to prove worse in one eye.

There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry. The former often comes on suddenly, while it can take years for the latter to progress. However, wet macular degeneration starts out as the dry form. Eventually, blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak, resulting in the wet form.

Either type can lead to permanent vision loss, with the wet version more likely to cause complete blindness.

Macular Degeneration Symptoms   

Signs and symptoms of macular degeneration usually start after age 50. Initial symptoms, which are not painful, include:

• Blurry vision
• Blurred spot in the visual field
• Colors appearing dull or less intense
• More light needed to read
• Problems recognizing faces

Signs of wet macular degeneration include distorted vision. For instance, straight lines may appear curved. Suspect wet macular degeneration if your eyes suddenly have trouble adjusting to less light in a room.

When to See a Doctor  

Since early treatment can slow macular degeneration, it is crucial to see an eye care professional as soon as possible once symptoms begin. If colors seem less bright or words are increasingly blurry on the page or screen, that is a potential red flag.

If there is a family history of macular degeneration, seeing an eye doctor is even more urgent. Additional risk factors include smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Those with light-colored eyes are more prone to macular degeneration than dark-eyed individuals.

The macula gets thinner with age. The doctor can detect minute protein clumps called drusen on the macula. These clumps are common in those with macular degeneration.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing symptoms of potential macular degeneration, contact the eye care specialists at Berks Eye to schedule a consultation. Even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms, it is wise to undergo comprehensive eye examinations at least every two years after age 50. These regular exams can detect macular degeneration while the condition is still asymptomatic. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, prompt treatment will help keep your vision healthy for as long as possible.

Are you struggling with your vision on a daily basis? Berks Eye offers a low vision evaluation to qualifying patients who suffer from conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Dr. Dayna Luckey, our low vision specialist, will perform an in depth refraction in an effort to optimize your glasses prescription. She will also demonstrate a few tools and devices that may help to make your day-to-day just a little bit easier. Call to schedule your appointment today!