As you age, your eyes become more susceptible to diseases and other ocular issues. One of the most common is macular degeneration, and it’s important to understand this debilitating disease. Early detection can have a significant impact on slowing disease progression; and implementing eye care steps now may reduce your chances of developing it later in life.

A Brief Guide to Macular Degeneration

What Is It?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that typically affects people 50 years and older. The macula—a part of the retina that helps clarify vision—gradually breaks down, resulting in blurry vision and difficulty processing color and images in low-light situations. There’s no definitive cause; however, eye care professionals believe it may be hereditary and tied to lifestyle factors. Over time, it can worsen, leading to total vision loss, which is why it’s important to catch it early.

What Are the Symptoms?

Macular degeneration can affect one or both eyes and can manifest without pain or sudden symptoms. Initial symptoms include blurriness, especially with printed words, needing brighter lighting to see, and a general reduction in central vision. You may also experience visual distortions, have difficulty adapting to low-light settings, and be unable to recognize faces. If you experience any of these, see your optician right away.

How Is It Treated?

Currently, there’s no treatment for macular degeneration. However, an eye care professional may be able to slow its progression. Using low-vision rehabilitation, you may be able to adapt how you use your eyes.

To prevent macular degeneration, you need to make positive lifestyle choices. Avoid smoking and tobacco products and eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Get as much exercise as you can and properly manage existing health issues like diabetes. You should also see your eye care professional regularly for exams.

The Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic has recently added a new instrument that can help detect macular degeneration three years sooner than conventional testing.

If you’re overdue for an eye exam, turn to Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic. They proudly serve south-central Minnesota and offer a wide scope of services, including general eye care, glaucoma and eye disease treatment, and glasses prescription—all of which you can explore on their website. Connect on Facebook for regular news and eye care tips and call (507) 526-2222 today to schedule an appointment.