Macular degeneration is a degenerative condition that affects your macular, which is a part of your eye’s retina, affecting your central vision. It is usually age-related, but it can affect an individual of any age. When macular degeneration San Antonio occurs, it can affect your ability to complete everyday tasks like reading or driving.
Types of macular degeneration
There are two primary types of macular degeneration, and they include:
Dry macular degeneration
Dry macular degeneration is the most common type of condition, and it occurs when the light-sensitive macular breaks down over time. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of central vision.
Wet macular degeneration
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula in your eyes. When the blood vessel leak fluid and blood, the fluids can damage your macular, causing blurry vision.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of macular degeneration include:
- Reduced central vision
- Blurry vision
- Blurry or blind spots in your vision
- Seeing straight lines as bent
- Distorted vision
- Problems recognizing faces
- Poor night vision
- The need for brighter lights when reading
Who is at risk of getting macular degeneration?
Although anyone can get the condition, people born into a family with a history of macular degeneration are highly at risk of getting the same disease. Other factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, being Caucasian, being more than 60 years, and lifestyle choices like smoking.
Diagnosis
Your eye doctor can diagnose your macular degeneration by examining your medical history and symptoms. After comprehensive vision testing, they might determine the type of macular degeneration and suitable options for treatment.
Treatment options
Although macular degeneration does not have a definite cure, your specialist can help with treatment plans to improve your vision. The following are ways you slow the progression of the condition.
Lifestyle changes
Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the likelihood of macular degeneration. You might need to lose weight if you are struggling with obesity and minimize your chances of high blood pressure and heart disease. Consider eliminating smoking if you are a smoker.
Low vision rehabilitation
While you might struggle with distorted vision, an eye specialist can recommend visual therapy. If you need brighter lights when reading, a low-vision therapist can help you adjust to your vision changes.
Vitamin supplements
Your diet should include plenty of vitamins, omega-3 fats, and minerals to help prevent vision loss. However, with the condition, consider taking vitamin supplements rich in antioxidants.
Telescopic lens surgery
Since age contributes to macular degeneration, your eye doctor can recommend telescopic lens surgery. The surgery involves the implantation of a telescopic lens to improve your close-up and distant vision. If your macular degeneration is irreversible and you’ve not had cataract surgery in the said eye, you can make a good candidate for the procedure.
If you are experiencing vision problems due to macular degeneration, visit Alamo Eye Care for treatment. Get qualified and experienced eye specialists to evaluate your eyes and offer suitable and personalized treatment. Call or schedule an appointment online and improve your vision.
