Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As the condition develops, it can make everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces increasingly difficult.
In its early stages, macular degeneration may cause few or no noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience:
- Difficulty adapting to low-light environments
- Increasing blurriness when reading printed text
- Trouble recognizing faces
- A blurred or dark spot in the center of your vision
- Distorted vision, where straight lines appear wavy or bent
Macular degeneration can affect one eye or both eyes. When only one eye is affected, symptoms may go unnoticed at first because the stronger eye compensates for the loss of vision in the weaker eye.
As the disease advances, the blurred or dark area in your central vision may become larger and more pronounced. In more advanced stages, central vision loss can significantly impact daily activities and make facial recognition difficult.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss among older adults in the United States. Early detection and ongoing monitoring are essential for preserving vision and slowing disease progression.
To learn more about available treatment options for macular degeneration, visit: Macular degeneration treatment options
