Macular degeneration is usually age-related and affects the macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Daily activities like driving, reading, and recognizing a loved one's face all depend on central vision.
Because symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often develop gradually, many people ignore early warning signs until vision loss becomes noticeable. There is no cure (yet) for AMD, but there is much we can do to help slow its progression.
Therefore, when it comes to AMD, one of our goals at Marano Eye Care, a division of Ophthalmology New Jersey, is to detect changes in the macula early, sometimes even before vision loss occurs.
We can do this during comprehensive eye exams by using a special lens to view the retina and advanced technology to capture detailed images of the back of the eye.
You can also help by being aware of three early symptoms of AMD you should never ignore.
One of the earliest and most common signs of macular degeneration is changes in central vision. You may notice that objects directly in front of you appear blurry, distorted, or less sharp than usual.
Straight lines, such as door frames or text on a page, may begin to look wavy or bent, a symptom known as metamorphopsia. This change often makes everyday tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult.
Because peripheral (side) vision remains intact when you have AMD, you may assume the blurriness is minor or due to eye strain. However, persistent central vision distortion should never be ignored, as it can signal early-stage AMD.
The Amsler grid is an easy check for possible AMD-related visual disturbances you can try at home. Available for online printing, this chart features a grid-like pattern with a dot at the center. Focusing on the dot while covering one eye, then the other, can help identify issues in central vision.
Another early sign of macular degeneration is difficulty adjusting to low-light conditions. You may find it harder to see clearly in dim settings, such as restaurants or at night. Tasks like reading menus in low light or driving after sunset can become more difficult.
This symptom happens because the macula is essential for adjusting vision between bright and dark conditions. If your eyes take longer than usual to adapt when switching from bright light to darkness, it may signal early retinal changes.
Changes in color perception can also be an early warning sign of macular degeneration. Colors may appear faded, dull, or less vibrant than before, particularly reds and greens.
This happens because the macula contains cells that detect fine details and color contrast. You may not notice this change immediately, but over time, everyday objects may seem less vivid.
If you find yourself increasing screen brightness or struggling to distinguish between similar shades, it could be related to early macular damage.
Early detection of macular degeneration is essential because treatments are most effective before significant vision loss occurs. While there is no cure for AMD, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and medical treatments can slow its progression.
However, visual disturbances related to AMD are often subtle and difficult to pinpoint at first. Therefore, regular comprehensive eye exams, especially after age 50, are crucial for detecting early changes in the macula.
Schedule an exam at Marano Eye Care today by calling one of our conveniently located offices.
