Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a cause of blindness for older people. It is a disease of the macula, the middle part of the retina, that causes a loss of sight in the center of your field of vision, making many daily activities difficult. We at Dunedin Eye Care in Dunedin, FL, provide eye care for aging eyes. Here are some things our optometrist, Dr. Stephanie Coates, can help teach you about macular degeneration. Our eye doctor is here to help.
If You Are in the Early Stages of Macular Degeneration, You Might not Have Symptoms
Macular degeneration may come on slowly. The first thing you may notice is that lines seem blurred or wiggly. Then you may notice patches of your visual field that seem to be not functioning. You may notice some distortions in the way you see colors. Eventually, you won't be able to see objects directly in front of you, although you may be able to see objects to your side.
If You Are Older, You Need to Get Screened for Macular Degeneration
Age is the biggest risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration but former smokers might also be more likely to develop the condition as people who have never smoked. Even smokers who quit a long time ago may remain at increased risk for ARMD.
Family history may also place you at a increased risk for developing macular degeneration. Race is also a factor as white people are more likely to develop the eye disease. Obesity and cardiovascular disease can also be a risk factor. If you are young, you can help keep macular degeneration away by eating well and exercising regularly.
Get Regular Eye Exams to Help Catch Macular Degeneration Early
There are many eye diseases and eye conditions that can be caught by getting regular eye exams. You might notice some eye diseases, like glaucoma, only when the symptoms present themselves. By then, it might be too late and irreversible vision damage may have already been done. However, eye exams can catch eye conditions like glaucoma and help prevent them from damaging your vision. This makes getting regular eye exams a good way to help preserve your vision, especially if you are older or otherwise at an increased risk of getting certain eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Visit Our Eye Doctor for Eye Care
Call or text us at (727) 733-0443 or request your appointment online. Our optometrist at Dunedin Eye Care is here to help. We serve Dunedin, FL, and the surrounding areas.
