Understanding Macular Degeneration: Protecting Your Precious Sight

As we age, our bodies undergo many changes, and our eyes are no exception.

One of the most significant age-related eye conditions is Macular Degeneration, often referred to as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). At Northview Eye Care, we believe that understanding this condition is the first step toward preserving your vision.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration affects the macula, a small but critical part of your retina responsible for your sharp, central vision. This is the vision you use for reading, recognizing faces, driving, and seeing fine details. When the macula deteriorates, it can lead to blurry vision, dark spots in your central field of view, and even a complete loss of central vision.

There are two main types of AMD:

• Dry AMD: This is the more common form, accounting for about 80-90% of cases. It’s caused by the thinning of the macula and the presence of small yellow deposits called drusen. Vision loss in dry AMD is typically gradual.
• Wet AMD: While less common, wet AMD is more serious and can lead to rapid and severe vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula.

Why is Early Detection and Monitoring Crucial?

The unfortunate truth about macular degeneration is that in its early stages, it often presents with no noticeable symptoms. You might not realize anything is wrong until the condition has progressed. This is precisely why regular comprehensive eye exams are so incredibly important.