Early Detection of Macular Degeneration: Importance and Screening Methods

Many people around the world have macular degeneration, a common eye condition. It impairs central vision, so you have trouble reading, driving, seeing faces, and doing other daily tasks. Macular degeneration primarily affects older adults, but younger people can get it too.

In the industrialized world, it is a substantial contributor to blindness. But there is good news. You can diagnose macular degeneration early and stop it from worsening to save your vision.

Why Early Detection Is Important

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that worsens over time. Macular degeneration can come in dry or wet form. Most people have dry macular degeneration, which slowly thins and harms the macula. The macula is the retina's central region.

Although less frequent, wet macular degeneration is more severe. Rapid vision loss results from the growth of aberrant blood vessels under the macula that leak fluid and blood.

Symptoms

You may overlook macular degeneration at first, especially if it affects only one eye. Your vision may become blurry or twisted, or you may see dark or blank spots in the middle of what you see. Colors may look different too. These symptoms can make your life harder and put you at risk of falling, getting hurt, or feeling sad and isolated.

Treatment Options

You can save your vision by discovering macular degeneration early and getting treatment immediately. Different treatments work for different types and stages of macular degeneration.
They may include:

Dietary supplements with antioxidants and minerals that can protect your eyes from further damage
Medications are injected into your eye to stop the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels.
Laser therapy that destroys abnormal blood vessels or seals them off.
Photodynamic treatment that uses a light-sensitive drug and a laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
Low-vision aids that help you make the most of your remaining vision

Early detection can help you prepare for the future and cope with the emotional and practical aspects of living with macular degeneration. You can learn how to adapt your home, work, and hobbies to suit your vision needs. You can join support groups and seek counseling to address your feelings and concerns.

What Screening Methods Are available?

Screening for macular degeneration is simple and painless. Are you older than 50 or have a family history of macular degeneration? If so, you should undergo a comprehensive eye check at least once a year.
The eye exam may include the following:

A visual acuity test: This test measures how well you can see numbers or letters on a chart.
A dilated eye exam: This examination uses eye drops to widen your pupils and enable a medical professional to check your retina and optic nerve.
A tonometry test: This measures the pressure inside your eye.
An Amsler grid test: This test uses a grid with straight lines to check for any distortion or gaps in your central vision.
A fluorescein angiography test: This test uses a dye and camera to take photos of the retinal blood vessels.
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) test uses light waves to create detailed images of your retina.

Conclusion

Anyone can get macular degeneration at any age. This serious condition can make you lose your vision forever if you do not treat it. Discovering it early is important to stop it from worsening and save your vision and quality of life.

You should check your eyes often for any changes in your vision. Consult your eye doctor today if you have any questions or worries about macular degeneration.
For more on macular degeneration, visit Raleigh Eye Center at our Raleigh, Durham, Reidsville, North Carolina, or South Hill, Virginia, offices. Call (919) 876-2427 or (800) 596-0384 to schedule an appointment today.