Specialty Eye Care
Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration affects the macula, the small central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It is a leading cause of central vision loss after sixty and is detectable long before symptoms appear.
In short
Affects central vision. Detectable early with retinal imaging, and worth catching early.
The macula occupies a tiny area at the centre of the retina and does all the detailed work: reading, recognising faces, judging fine detail. Macular degeneration damages precisely that area, which is why it affects central vision while leaving peripheral vision intact.
There are two forms. Dry macular degeneration is far more common, progresses slowly, and is characterised by deposits called drusen accumulating beneath the retina. Wet macular degeneration is less common and considerably more aggressive, involving abnormal blood vessel growth that leaks fluid, and it can cause rapid central vision loss over weeks.
The distinction matters because wet macular degeneration is treatable with injections that can preserve vision if started promptly, whereas delay costs vision permanently. That makes early detection genuinely consequential rather than merely prudent.
What to expect
- Retinal imaging
- Widefield retinal imaging shows the macula and surrounding retina, allowing drusen and pigment changes to be documented and compared year on year.
- OCT macular scanning
- Cross sectional imaging shows retinal layer structure and detects fluid, which is what distinguishes wet from dry disease.
- Amsler grid monitoring
- A simple home test that detects distortion in central vision, which is often the first sign of conversion to wet macular degeneration.
What this does not do
- Damage already done cannot be reversed. Treatment preserves remaining vision.
- Dry macular degeneration has no direct treatment, though risk reduction slows progression.
- Wet macular degeneration is treated by a retinal specialist. Detection, referral and co-management happen here.
Questions and answers
What are the first signs?
Distortion is the classic early symptom: straight lines appearing wavy or bent, particularly on things like door frames and text. Difficulty reading in dim light and a blurred or missing patch at the centre of vision are others. Any sudden distortion warrants prompt attention.
Can I reduce my risk?
Yes, meaningfully. Not smoking is the single largest modifiable factor. A diet rich in leafy greens and oily fish, blood pressure control, and UV protection all contribute. Specific supplement formulations have evidence behind them for people with established intermediate disease.
Will I go blind?
Macular degeneration affects central vision and does not typically cause total blindness, because peripheral vision is preserved. It can make reading and driving very difficult, which is why early detection and, where relevant, prompt treatment matter.
How often should I be checked?
Annually as standard after sixty, and more frequently if drusen or pigment changes are already present. Anyone diagnosed with the dry form should be monitoring at home with an Amsler grid between visits.
Talk to someone about macular degeneration
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.