As you age, you may experience different eye issues, such as macular degeneration. This condition is becoming increasingly common; studies show more than 11 million people in the United States have it. To properly treat it, it’s important to understand the symptoms and causes behind it.

Understanding Macular Degeneration

1. Basics

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over the age of 60. This disease damages your central vision, which is responsible for seeing objects clearly, whether reading or watching television. Macular degeneration affects the macula, the component of the eye responsible for seeing fine details. When this begins to deteriorate, the cells in the macula die and vision can become blurry when trying to focus on small features.

2. Symptoms & Causes

The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, but it has been linked to aging, genetics, and lifestyle. Smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular disease can also contribute to macular degeneration because of the overall impacts they have on the body and the aging process. Macular degeneration usually impacts both eyes and blurred vision is the most common sign observed. If it remains undiagnosed and untreated, individuals also notice visual distortion, a need for brighter lights, and difficulty recognizing faces.

3. Diagnosis & Treatment

If you suspect you have macular degeneration, schedule a visit with your eye doctor to have your sight evaluated. The doctor will perform a visual exam of the eye in addition to specialized scans or tests to determine how the components of the eye are functioning and if the macula is behind the cause of poor vision. Treatments can vary if you’re diagnosed with macular degeneration, but may include: medication to reduce the formation of blood vessels, supplements, and laser therapy.

Dr. Brett K. Radow is located in Spencer, WV, and offers a variety of important vision health services to the surrounding communities. From routine eye exams to treatment of major eye diseases like macular degeneration, the doctor is equipped and knowledgeable in providing superior eye care. To schedule an appointment or learn more about the services offered, call (304) 927-5112 or visit the website.