Signs You’re Suffering From Age-Related Macular Degeneration  

Age-related macular degeneration can be a devastating disease, causing loss of vision in the central field of vision. Recognizing the signs of macular degeneration can help you get the care you need to slow down the development of this condition and limit vision loss.

The First Sign May Be No Sign At All

Age-related macular degeneration often begins painlessly and with few or no symptoms. The best way to protect yourself from this condition is to know if you’re at risk for this condition and see the eye doctor on a regular basis. Risk factors include:

• Family history – If members of your family experienced macular degeneration, this problem could be in your genetic makeup.
• Age – Macular degeneration commonly affects people over age 60.
• Heart disease – Do you have cardiovascular disease? You could be at risk.

Other risk factors include obesity and smoking. If you’re at risk, be vigilant and pay attention when you notice symptoms of vision trouble. Take care of yourself, and know when this could happen to you.

Signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Once you’ve started to develop symptoms, the first thing you might notice is a distortion of the way straight lines may appear curved or wavy. You may also have increased difficulty maneuvering dark places. Dim lights may seem dimmer. Other signs of macular degeneration include:

• Reduced visual ability in the center of your vision. Peripheral vision will stay the same.
• Words seem blurry when trying to read.
• Need to brighten indoor lights when doing work up close.
• Colors seem less saturated.
• Blindspot in the center of your field of vision.
• Difficulty recognizing faces.

What You Can Do

If your vision is beginning to deteriorate, don’t wait to see an eye doctor. Macular degeneration can reduce your quality of life, but you can take action to maintain your ability to see for as long as possible. Contact Kirman Eye to make an appointment. We can identify your condition, make recommendations for treatment and help you manage your condition to ensure you can maintain the highest quality of life possible.