Detecting Early Macular Degeneration
In order to treat or slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, which is also called AMD or ARMD, you must first have an understanding of what the disease is. Once you do, detecting early macular degeneration symptoms will become much easier and you can take the proactive measures necessary to help you save what remains of your vision and maintain your independence and quality of life.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Although not very many people have heard of macular degeneration, it is actually the leading cause of blindness and vision loss for Americans over the age of 65. It is an eye disease that affects the function of the macula, which is the part of your eye's retina that allows you to focus on objects in your central vision. When the macula is damaged, it cannot focus light back to the retina correctly and your central vision becomes blurred. When this happens, it become increasingly difficult to do many everyday activities like reading, driving and focusing on the faces of those around you.
There are two types of macular degeneration. One is called "wet" AMD and the other is called "dry" AMD. Dry AMD, which is not as severe as wet AMD, is caused when the macular tissue starts thinning and shedding. When this happens, deposits of pigment form on the retina and the central vision becomes gradually blurred. Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels start to grow beneath the retina and then leak blood and fluid. While the eye grows these new blood vessels in an attempt to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the retina, the leakage can actually hurt your vision by causing scarring and permanent damage to light-sensitive retinal cells of your macula.
Methods for Detecting Early Macular Degeneration
There are few common tests used for detecting early macular degeneration. If you have noticed that your central vision is becoming blurry or distorted, you should visit a low vision specialist immediately to get tested. One test that often used is called an Amsler Grid test. This test involves you looking at a grid with a black dot in the center. If the straight lines around the dot are distorted and blurry, or you see dark areas in the center, that is a telltale sign that you are suffering from macular degeneration. The other way a specialist can determine if you have AMD is if he or she can see yellowish spots and fluid in the back of your eye.
Macular Degeneration Treatment
After detecting early macular degeneration, you have a few treatment options. If you have wet AMD, it may be possible to surgically remove some of the blood vessels causing the blurred vision. In addition to surgery, there are also many different low vision aids that can help you perform important daily tasks like driving and reading. Some of these include low vision magnifiers and specially made eye glasses for people with macular degeneration.
Contact IALVS Today for Help Detecting Early Macular Degeneration
To learn more about detecting early macular degeneration or your treatment options, you should contact one of the IALVS specialists in your area today. We specialize in treating AMD and many other types of eye vision problems. Detecting early macular degeneration and other vision ailments as quickly as possible can help you retain your vision, independence and quality of life.
