If you have blurry vision, can’t see dim light, or notice blank spots, you may experience the beginning stages of macular degeneration. But what exactly is this eye disease and how can it be treated? Here, the eye doctors at Middletown Tri-State Eye in Orange County, NY, share a brief guide to macular degeneration. 

What Is Macular Degeneration?

It is the leading cause of vision loss and impacts as many as 10 million Americans. This condition often occurs during the aging process and causes a deterioration of the central point of the retina. The retina is responsible for taking in the images we see and sending them to the optic nerve. When this begins to malfunction, the macula can’t focus on a central item, making it difficult to clearly recognize faces, objects, and colors.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Early symptoms include blurred vision, the distortion of lines, difficulty seeing in the dark, and blank spots. As the condition progresses, you may notice a partial loss of vision, as well as new and abnormal blood vessels in the eye. If you develop symptoms, it’s essential to visit an eye doctor, so they can evaluate and treat accordingly.

Available Treatments

While there isn’t currently a cure for macular degeneration, the eye doctor can offer different ways to manage the condition. To maintain your vision, the ophthalmologist may recommend different vitamins, such as vitamin C, E, lutein, copper, and zinc. Using a combination of these vitamins can slow the progression of the disease. They can also use intravitreal or laser therapies to combat abnormal blood vessels that occur and minimize the negative impacts to vision.

If you notice changes in your vision, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to determine the cause and best treatment for the symptoms. The team at Middletown Tri-State Eye in Orange County, NY, and Milford, PA, offers a number of pertinent vision services, from routine screenings to surgeries and therapies for macular degeneration and other debilitating eye conditions. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (845) 703-2020.