Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina and one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the over 60s in America today. It is diagnosed when the light-sensing cells within the central area of vision, called the macula, are damaged and die. There are several types of macular degeneration. It is vital that Macular Degeneration is detected and diagnosed at an early stage, as damage to your vision by this disease is permanent. If it is not controlled, further loss of vision will continue if not acted upon. Knowing about macular degeneration and recognizing the possible symptoms is an important part in the preventative treatment of this disease.

Symptoms of Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is when new and immature blood vessels form in the eye and leak fluids under the macular, which destroys the central vision. The following are some of the signs and symptoms which may be early warnings of the onset of wet macular degeneration.

• Visual Distortions may gradually appear in a person's sight. Straight lines may appear crooked and wavy. Straight edges such as signposts and doorways may be lopsided or objects may appear to be more distant, or closer than they really are.
  
  
• A decrease in central vision is a serious warning sign of the onset of wet macular degeneration.



• A noticeable decrease in the brightness or intensity of colors



• A defined blurred spot or blind spot in your field of vision may be caused by wet macular degeneration.



• An abrupt change of vision, particularly a loss of vision in a particular area of the eye



• A rapid worsening of eyesight may also be the first warning signs of macular degeneration



• Hallucinating and seeing non-existent shapes or forms is a disturbing symptom. It is caused by a deterioration in the communication between what the macula sees and what the brain interprets. It is known as Charles Bonnet syndrome.

Often the above symptoms will only occur in one eye. It is also hard to define any changes as the good eye will compensate for the eye which is suffering from macular degeneration.

It is important to see a doctor if you notice changes to your central vision, or if your ability to see colors and details changes for the worse. It is also important, especially for those over the age of 50, to have regular eye checks at least every two years to monitor and detect any early symptoms of macular degeneration or other sight-threatening disease.

Symptoms of Dry Macular Degeneration
The onset of dry Macular Degeneration is often slow, gradual and painless. The following symptoms may be early indications of the presence of this disease:

• A growing need for increasingly bright light to read or do close work



• A noticeable difficulty to adjust to low lighting level, such as when entering a dimly lit room or restaurant



• An increase in blurry print which is hard to focus on and read



• A decrease in the intensity of bright colors



• A difficulty in recognizing faces



• A gradual overall haziness in vision



• A blurred or blind spot in the center of vision and reduced sharpness of central vision.



• Hallucinations. Some sufferers experience unusual patterns, figures or strange faces. It is caused by deterioration in the communication between what the macula sees and what the brain interprets and is called the Charles Bonnet syndrome.

Sometimes some of these symptoms are not very apparent as the good eye compensates for the eye which has macular degeneration. The disease may only become apparent during a routine regular eye check or if both eyes become affected.

Self Diagnosis Using an Amsler Grid
An Amsler grid is a chart of horizontal and vertical lines with a dot in the centre. It has been used since its creation in 1945 to monitor a person's central vision in a very simple way. It does however detect changes in the macula and is a good self-test to use between professional eye examinations. Amsler grids can be downloaded from the internet or obtained from an ophthalmologist.

Close or cover one eye and look with the other eye at the central dot. If you usually wear glasses you should wear them for this test. The lines should all be perfectly straight and regular with the same contrast. Repeat with the other eye. If some of the lines are missing, or are wavy, the patient should consult an eye doctor for an immediate eye test.

If you have any of the above symptoms it is imperative that you arrange an eye examination to ascertain what the problem may be. Loss of sight from macular degeneration or some other eye diseases cannot be reversed, but early diagnosis and treatment can easily prevent permanent loss of vision.

Related Articles:

• Macular Degeneration - Causes and Treatment
• Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration
• Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration
• Macular Degeneration Treatment
• Vitamins for Macular Degeneration
• Taking B Vitamins May Prevent Vision Loss from Macular Degeneration
• Smoking is a Risk Factor For Late Age Macular Degeneration
• Eating Red Meat Linked to Macular Degeneration
• Stargardt's Disease - Inherited Vision Loss

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