10
Oct

The macula is a critical part of your eye that affects your central vision and the fine details that you can see. If the macula starts to degenerate, then it can eventually cause vision loss in the center of your field of vision. This condition is known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and becomes more common in adults over the age of 50.

Even though AMD doesn’t cause total blindness, it can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks, such as reading, driving, and even recognizing people’s faces. Also, keep in mind that vision loss from AMD is irreversible, which is why it’s critical to take a proactive approach to prevent and treat it as soon as possible. Early detection is the most important factor in slowing progression.

Two Types of AMD

There are actually two forms of AMD that can cause vision loss:

• Dry AMD:This is the most common type of AMD, and it accounts for 80-90% of the cases. With dry AMD, the macula thins out, and there are often small yellow deposits that form under the retina. The vision changes in the beginning are mild, and the progression is slow.
• Wet AMD:This type of AMD is less common, but the effects are more severe and progress faster. Wet AMD happens when there is abnormal blood vessel growth underneath the retina, causing blood and fluid to leak into the eye.

Watch Out for These AMD Symptoms

It’s essential for every patient to learn more about AMD symptoms. If you notice any of these warning signs, then you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible. Common AMD symptoms include:

• Central vision becomes fuzzy or blurred
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty focusing on the fine details
• Straight lines start to look distorted or wavy
• Colors lose their vibrancy
• Dark or empty spots appear in the center of your vision

The risk factors are the highest for people over the age of 50. Also, your risk goes up if you have a family history of AMD. Other lifestyle factors that can increase the development of AMD include smoking, poor diet, being overweight, and having high blood pressure.

Professional Diagnosis and Treatment for AMD

The good news is that modern treatments are available to slow the progression of AMD. Our eye doctors will determine an accurate diagnosis, then provide supplements, injections, and/or lifestyle changes that can protect your vision and minimize the risk of vision loss.

For more information about AMD and other types of eye diseases, reach out to our team to schedule an appointment. Contact us at Temecula Creek Optometry to book a consultation with an experienced eye doctor: (951) 302 -1331.