Macular Degeneration
Blurry vision, distortion of vision, and blind spots in your vision may be among the first signs of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss. If you’re having any of those symptoms, it’s important to be diagnosed by an eye specialist. University Retina, with locations in Oak Forest, Bedford Park, Lemont, and Downers Grove, Illinois, has a team of board-certified ophthalmologists and retina specialists who can stop macular degeneration from affecting your vision and help you regain your eye health and vision. Call today to book your first appointment.
Q & A
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration affects the macula part of the retina, which is the region that controls the keen vision needed to read, drive, recognize faces, use a computer, and other tasks that require fine detail.
People with macular degeneration may have problems with their central vision, even though their peripheral vision remains intact.
There are three main types of macular degeneration:
Dry macular degeneration: accounts for 90% of macular degeneration cases and leads to slow vision loss
Wet macular degeneration: characterized by rapid onset; is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels
Diabetic maculopathy: a type of diabetic eye disease that may involve symptoms of macular degeneration
Macular degeneration can lead to permanent vision loss and other problems with eye health if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
Symptoms of macular degeneration vary, depending on the type and how far along the condition has progressed. Some of the most common signs of macular degeneration are:
Blurry vision, especially in central vision distortion
Light flashes
Gradual loss of vision
Distorted perception of colors
Blind spots or patches
People with macular degeneration might also see floaters, specks or spots that change position with the movement of the eye.
How is macular degeneration treated?
Depending on the type of macular degeneration you have, you might need medication to support your eye health or to stop blood vessel growth or leakage in the eyes. This includes various medicines injected into the eye to stop macular degeneration from progressing.
Preventing future vision loss is vital, so it’s crucial also to adopt lifestyle habits that support your eye health, like quitting smoking, managing your blood pressure, and using proper lighting when reading or working on a computer.
Treatment for macular degeneration can restore some vision and stop the progression of the disease. To have your symptoms assessed by a retina specialist, contact University Retina by calling today.