At what age does macular degeneration usually begin?

Macular degeneration is a common age-related eye disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a leading cause of vision loss and is typically characterized by the deterioration of the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for clear vision. The eye condition typically manifests with only mild symptoms, such as slight blurriness or vision distortion, and progressively gets worse.

What age does macular degeneration usually begin?

While macular degeneration can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50, but can begin to develop as young as 40 and its prevalence increases with age. However, there are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing macular degeneration at a younger age, such as genetics, smoking, and a diet high in saturated fats.

Risk factors for macular degeneration can include genetic disposition, age, increased blood pressure, obesity, smoking and high cholesterol. Prevention steps and regular eye exams can go a long way toward keeping the devastating effects of macular degeneration at bay.

Unfortunately, it is yet to be determined what the main cause of macular degeneration is. Here at Perich Eye Center, we can treat wet AMD with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and painless injection of medication into the eye. We want to be clear that while these treatments can slow the progression of wet AMD can not be completely cured. Loss of vision may progress despite treatment.

Prevention is one of the best things you can do to reduce the risks of macular degeneration. A healthy diet is a good first step: fish and green leafy vegetables can be very helpful. Vitamins with high levels of certain antioxidants (E, C, A, and beta-carotene with zinc) have been found to offer significant benefits when it comes to reducing the likelihood of macular degeneration.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

Typically, macular degeneration affects the central vision, meaning that objects and faces in the center of your field of vision become increasingly blurred and distorted. You may also experience difficulty reading, recognizing faces, and seeing colors. Some other symptoms include blind spots, bright flashes of light or dark patches, and a decrease in overall visual acuity.

The symptoms of macular degeneration will get worse over time, which makes it extremely important to have an eye exam as soon as you notice anything even slightly wrong with your vision.

If you're experiencing any of these warning signs, it's important to set up an appointment with your doctor for a complete diagnosis. Early diagnosis can help your doctor create an appropriate treatment plan that can help slow down the progression of the disease. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle modifications that can help reduce risk factors and protect your sight.

What is dry macular degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration is the most common type of this condition. Although there are currently no viable treatment options for dry macular degeneration, the condition is typically very slow to progress. Visual aids and certain vitamin therapies may be able to reduce some of the symptoms and preserve as much central vision as possible for some patients. Regular eye exams and consistent monitoring is very important to prevent dry macular degeneration from becoming a serious threat to your overall vision.

Dry AMD has three stages — early AMD, intermediate AMD, and advanced dry AMD. All of these may occur in one or both eyes. People with early dry AMD have either several small drusen or a few medium sized drusen. Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina, which often are found in people over age 50. People with early AMD have no symptoms and no vision loss.

How is dry AMD treated?

Once dry AMD reaches the advanced stage, there is no treatment that will cure the dry AMD. At Perich Eye Center, we can prescribe treatment that can delay and possibly prevent intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage, in which vision loss occurs.

What is wet macular degeneration?

Wet (neovascular) macular degeneration is the most serious type. It can develop and progress extraordinarily fast. Caused by the abnormal formation of blood vessels and subsequent leakage of blood or fluid between the layers of the retina, wet macular degeneration can result in permanent tissue damage. Central vision loss and reduction in the ability to see fine details can be effects of wet macular degeneration. If wet macular degeneration occurs in one eye, the risk of it affecting the other eye is increased. There are some treatments available (described below) that can slow vision loss and even improve eyesight for patients affected by wet macular degeneration; however, early diagnosis is vital.

Wet macular degeneration is considered to be advanced and is usually more severe than the dry form. All people who have the wet form first had the dry form. The dry form can advance and cause vision loss without turning into the wet form. The dry form also can suddenly turn into the wet form, even during the early stages. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if or when the dry form will turn into the wet form.

How is wet AMD treated?

Here at Perich Eye Center, we can treat wet AMD with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and painless injection of medication into the eye. We want to be clear that while these treatments can slow the progression of wet AMD can not be completely cured. Loss of vision may progress despite treatment.

Remember, as soon as you notice any chances to your vision, as small as you may talk yourself into thinking they are, you need to contact us here at Perich Eye Center at once. We will get you in right away for a comprehensive dilated eye exam so you can know exactly what is going on with your eyes.