While Macular degeneration is commonly related to aging, the causes can actually be more complex than you realize. Protecting your vision as you age starts with staying informed and proactive about the changes that may affect your eyes over time. Consulting with our experienced ophthalmologist, Dr. Archana Gupta, is an excellent way to better understand macular degeneration and your individual risk factors. Here’s what you should know about what causes macular degeneration and what steps you can take to help protect your sight.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition where the central part of the retina degenerates, reducing the eye’s ability to focus vision. It occurs in a couple of different forms; dry macular degeneration is the most common form of AMD and is caused by a buildup of deposits in the retina, which reduces its ability to focus light. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop and begin to leak fluid into the area, thereby obscuring vision. Both of these types can result in blurry or reduced vision.
What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration can occur without any noticeable symptoms at first. Eventually, however, it can cause blurry or dark areas in your vision as well as an overall worsening of your ability to see (especially if you already have vision problems). Because macular degeneration affects your central vision, it can also cause difficulty focusing on fine details, such as small fonts, especially in low-light conditions. You may also experience trouble driving due to blind spots. Colors can appear washed out, less intense, and less vibrant. And finally, macular degeneration can even impact your ability to recognize faces.
What Causes Macular Degeneration?
Some of the most common risk factors associated with AMD include:
Genetics
Some people are simply more likely to experience macular degeneration because of their genetic makeup. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, it’s essential to visit your eye doctor regularly to monitor for signs.
Aging
Macular degeneration is most closely linked to aging. The macula naturally starts to deteriorate as we age, causing the light-sensitive cells in the retina to die off. If abnormal blood vessels grow around the macula and leak fluid, it can cause severe vision loss. Drusen, or small yellow deposits, can also form in the macula and dim or distort your vision.
Other Health Factors
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, a high-fat diet, and prolonged sun exposure have been shown to significantly increase the risk of developing macular degeneration. However, underlying health conditions might also play a role, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
How Can Macular Degeneration Be Treated?
You have a few options for treating macular degeneration with the help of your eye doctor. Certain medications can directly address wet macular degeneration and the leaking in the blood vessels, potentially helping to regain lost vision. Electronic vision aids can help mitigate some of the vision loss associated with macular degeneration by creating larger images of nearby objects. Finally, laser therapy is one of the most advanced options, which can eliminate abnormal blood vessels and help restore some of your vision. Dr. Gupta can help you determine the right path forward for your macular degeneration treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
Being proactive is key when it comes to treating macular degeneration. To meet with our knowledgeable team and learn more, please contact our Boca Raton and Tamarac, FL offices by calling or completing our online form.
