Macular Degeneration Awareness

This month is Macular Degeneration awareness month. How many of you know what macular degeneration actually is? If you're unaware, be sure to read on to find out what the causes are, symptoms, and other issues it causes.

Macular degeneration is a medical condition that affects your central vision. Usually affecting older people, the actual cause is not known. What happens? Well, it's a bit complicated. But... here it is, in a nutshell! A definition given by your very own western NC eye doctor, Dr. Haley Perry, OD.

"Your retina has different layers. The top layer makes debris. The bottom layer disposes of the debris. When the bottom layer  degenerates, or stops getting rid of the debris, it causes drusen. Drusen separates the "seeing" layer. The separation causes the vision to decrease." DR. Haley Perry OD

Because the retina is the part of the eye that sees the most detail, macular degeneration can really impact the way you see. Not all macular degeneration causes you to loose your sight. Sometimes it just distorts it. Below are a list of symptoms macular degeneration causes:

• Drusen
• Pigmentary alterations
• Exudative changes: hemorrhages in the eye, hard exudates, subretinal/sub-RPE/intraretinal fluid
• Atrophy: incipient and geographic
• Visual acuity drastically decreasing (two levels or more), e.g.: 20/20 to 20/80.
• Preferential hyperacuity perimetry changes Blurred vision: Those with nonexudative macular degeneration may be asymptomatic or notice a gradual loss of central vision, whereas those with exudative macular degeneration often notice a rapid onset of vision loss.
• Central scotomas (shadows or missing areas of vision)
• Distorted vision in the form of metamorphopsia, in which a grid of straight lines appears wavy and parts of the grid may appear blank: Patients often first notice this when looking at mini blinds in their home.
• Trouble discerning colors, specifically dark ones from dark ones and light ones from light ones
• Slow recovery of visual function after exposure to bright light
• A loss in contrast sensitivity

If you suspect you may have macular degeneration, be sure to call Visual Eyes Optometric today, to schedule an appointment. Also, if you have a family member that has macular degeneration it's a good idea to partake in our Macula Risk genetic test. It determines your risk of sight threatening macular degeneration.

If you are in need of new glasses or just a regular yearly vision exam, feel free to contact us as well! We would love to help you in any way we can! Fairview NC is located near Asheville NC. Be sure to contact your preferred Western NC Eye Dr today! You won't be sorry!