Age-related macular degeneration is the damage or breakdown of the macula of the eye. The macula is the central point of vision needed for reading, driving, identifying faces, watching TV, and most other routine activities. Symptoms include blurriness, darkness, or other visual distortions in the center of vision. Eventually vision blurs and dims until only a ring of peripheral sight remains.

The majority of people with early age-related macular degeneration experience minimal visual loss. For many of these people, macular degeneration will not progress to a more serious condition.

If macular degeneration does progress to visual loss, 90% of the affected people will develop the dry, or atrophic form of the disease. The other 10% of people will develop a more serious condition known as the wet, or exudative, form of macular degeneration.

You'll be happy to know that early detection can lead to more effective treatment options. Therefore, regular eye exams can lead to the detection of problems before the problem becomes serious. This is especially critical if you are over 50 or if you have a family history of macular degeneration.

Schedule an appointment today.