Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50.  This eye disease occurs when the macula deteriorates.  The macula is the small part of the inside back layer of the eye that is responsible for your central vision and allows you to see fine details clearly.  Although there may be no symptoms in the early stages, symptoms may occur as the disease progresses, which may include:

• Blurriness
• Dark or blank areas or distortion in your central vision
• Need for increasing bright light to see up close
• Colors appear less bright
• Difficulty seeing when going from bright light to low light
• Trouble recognizing people’s faces

Treatment may include sunglasses, special vitamins, medications, laser surgery, low vision aids, and vision rehabilitation.  Any vision loss cannot be restored.  The following individuals who are at risk should be examined at least yearly:

• Age 50 or over
• Family history of macular degeneration or blindness of unknown cause
• High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels
• Smoker