Macular Degeneration Diagnosis & Treatment

Q: How long does macular degeneration take to go blind?

The progression of macular degeneration varies significantly among individuals and depends on the type and severity of the condition. Dry AMD progresses more slowly, often over several years. Wet AMD, though less common, progresses more rapidly, potentially causing severe vision loss within weeks to months.

Q: What can you expect when you have macular degeneration?

Early symptoms may include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty recognizing faces, and a need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work. As the condition progresses, you might notice a central dark or empty spot in your visual field.

Q: Is macular degeneration a big deal?

Yes, macular degeneration is a significant concern, especially as it is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. While it does not typically lead to complete blindness, the impact on central vision can severely affect daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, thereby diminishing the quality of life.

Q: What is the best drink for macular degeneration?

While there is no specific "best drink" for macular degeneration, maintaining overall good nutrition is beneficial. Fresh vegetable juices, particularly those containing leafy greens like spinach and kale, are also beneficial as they are known to support eye health.

Q: What percentage of people with macular degeneration become blind?

Complete blindness from macular degeneration is relatively rare because the condition typically affects only the central vision, leaving peripheral vision intact. While specific percentages of those who become legally blind vary, it is estimated that around 10-20% of individuals with advanced AMD experience severe vision impairment.

Q: Can I prevent macular degeneration?

While it cannot be completely prevented, you can reduce the risk by eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting your eyes from UV light.

Q: What to expect when you have macular degeneration?

You can expect a gradual loss of central vision, which affects activities like reading and recognizing faces, but regular eye exams and treatments can help manage symptoms.

Q: What percentage of people with macular degeneration go blind?

Complete blindness is rare; most people experience central vision loss but retain peripheral vision.

Q: How do you top macular degeneration from progressing?

Follow a treatment plan, including medications or therapies, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and have regular eye exams to slow progression.

Q: What are the early signs of macular degeneration?

Early signs include difficulty seeing in low light, blurred central vision, and dark or blurry areas in your vision.

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What Is Macular Degeneration?
What Causes Macular Degeneration?
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What Is Macular Degeneration?

The retina is the lining of tissue in the back of the eye. The retina is where light is focused after it passes through the lens – the retina then sends feedback through the optic nerve to the brain, where an image is processed. The middle part of the retina is called the macula and is responsible for sharp central vision, or the type of vision you use when you read or drive. Patients develop macular degeneration when the macula breaks down, causing distortion, blurriness, or dark areas in the central vision.

There are two types of macular degeneration, called “wet” and “dry;” age-related macular degeneration occurs in both forms. Dry macular degeneration is most common and involves thinning of the retinal tissues, causing gradual vision loss. Wet macular degeneration is less joint but occurs when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the retina, which may leak fluid or blur vision. It can be much more rapid and severe than dry macular degeneration, accounting for nearly all cases of legal blindness in macular degeneration patients.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people aged 55 and older, and older people are at the highest risk of developing macular degeneration. However, it may also be hereditary and affect some families but not others. Some studies suggest there may be a link between diet and macular degeneration, with high levels of dietary saturated fats having a higher incidence of macular degeneration. Hypertension or smoking tobacco (or even secondhand exposure) may also play a role in wet macular degeneration. Wet age-related macular degeneration is not linked to other common eye conditions or risk factors like floaters, dry eye, or cataracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does macular degeneration take to go blind?

What can you expect when you have macular degeneration?

Is macular degeneration a big deal?

What is the best drink for macular degeneration?

What percentage of people with macular degeneration become blind?

Can I prevent macular degeneration?

What to expect when you have macular degeneration?

What percentage of people with macular degeneration go blind?

How do you top macular degeneration from progressing?

What are the early signs of macular degeneration?

Is macular degeneration hereditary?

Are there any effective treatments for macular degeneration?

How does macular degeneration affect daily life?

Can diet and nutrition impact macular degeneration?

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Symptoms Of Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular degeneration is not noticeable in the early stages. Typically, the most noticeable symptom is a decline in vision. An ophthalmologist can detect macular degeneration during routine eye exams by examining the retina to look for the development of any new blood vessels in or under the macula. However, symptoms that affect the center part of your vision, like distortion of straight lines, color perception changes, or dark, blurry, or white-out areas, are cause for concern and should be assessed by an eye doctor immediately.

Macular Degeneration Treatment

There is no cure for macular degeneration, but it can be managed with the help of your ophthalmologist. However, treatment will not restore your vision; some degree of vision loss is expected in macular degeneration patients. Wet macular degeneration can be treated with laser surgery to stop or slow leaking blood vessels, but dry macular degeneration requires lifestyle adjustments and prevention to prevent vision from worsening. Our team will help you learn more about your options during a consultation.

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Macular Degeneration Prevention

Preventing macular degeneration is the best way to maintain healthy vision. You can take steps to prevent macular degeneration, such as eating a healthy and varied diet, getting regular eye exams, reducing blood pressure, and protecting your eyes from excessive amounts of light (including blue light). If you’re at risk, these may be ways to slow its progression.

Request A Macular Degeneration Consultation

To learn more about preventing and treating macular degeneration, contact the Nielsen Eye Center by calling our Quincy, MA, area locations or filling out our online form.

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Schedule your appointment today at one of our four convenient offices situated on the South Shore. Serving the greater Boston area, our locations in Quincy, Weymouth, Norwell, and Norwood are here to provide exceptional eye care tailored to your needs.

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300 Congress Street, Suite 201 Quincy, MA 02169

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141 Longwater Drive, Suite 111 Norwell, MA 02061

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