Macular Degeneration Vision Issues [Causes and Symptoms]
There are two types: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the most common type and usually progresses slowly. Wet macular degeneration is less common but can cause more severe vision loss.
What is Macular Degeneration?
It is a condition that affects the macula, which is the central area of the retina. The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells. These cells convert light into electrical signals sent to the brain.
The macula is a small area in the retina’s center that provides sharp, central vision. It occurs when the cells in the macula break down or die. It can cause blurred vision and make it difficult to see small details or colors. In some cases, macular degeneration can lead to blindness.
Exams and Tests
A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to test for macular degeneration. It includes tests for visual acuity, central vision, and contrast sensitivity. In addition, an eye doctor will likely dilate the pupils to get a better look at the back of the eye.
A visual acuity exam measures how well you see at various distances. The test is often done with an eye chart. The doctor will ask you to read letters of different sizes from a distance.
The central vision exam assesses your ability to see objects clearly in the center of your field of view. The test is often done with an Amsler grid, a piece of paper with a checkerboard pattern. The doctor will ask you to look at the grid and report any areas that appear blurry or distorted.
A contrast sensitivity test measures your ability to see objects against a background. The test is often done with an eye chart with varying levels of contrast. The doctor will ask you to read the letters on the chart and report any blurry or distorted.
Causes
Several factors can contribute to the development of macular degeneration. Age-related is the most significant risk factor. The condition is rare in people younger than 50, but the prevalence increases with age.
Other risk factors include family history, smoking, and exposure to sunlight. Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Age is the greatest risk factor for macular degeneration. It is most common in older adults, with the risk increasing, and rarely occurring in people under 50.
- Family history: It is believed that specific genes may predispose individuals to the condition. More studies are needed to determine which genes are definitively linked to macular degeneration.
- Race: African Americans are more likely than Caucasians to develop the condition, and Hispanics are also at increased risk. Asians appear to be at a lower risk, though this may be partly due to their relatively young age group compared with other racial groups in studies.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage the delicate cells in the macula, the part responsible for central vision.
- Obesity: The fatty tissue and inflammation associated with obesity can damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to excrete fluid and distort vision. In addition, obese people are more likely to have high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- High blood pressure: When blood pressure is too high, it damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye.
- High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including the eyes. Diabetes can also cause changes in cholesterol and fat levels, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries). That means blood vessels can become blocked, restricting blood flow to the eyes.
- One of the significant risk factors is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can damage the cells in the retina and lead to changes that eventually result in macular degeneration. That’s why it’s essential to protect the eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that block rays whenever outdoors.
Symptoms
Vision loss is gradual and painless; it can affect one or both eyes but usually affects them equally. In the early stages, people may notice a loss of free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to inflammation and other issues. They are produced naturally by the body but can also be created by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation.
Free radicals scavenge electrons from other molecules to stabilize themselves, which can cause further damage. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from their harmful effects. As it progresses, straight lines may appear wavy, and dark areas may develop in the center of their vision.
Two Different Types
There are two types: wet and dry. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. Dry macular degeneration happens when there is a build-up of deposits called drusen under the retina. Both types can lead to low vision.
Dry
Dry macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina. The retina is responsible for sending images to the brain, and with dry macular degeneration, this area gradually deteriorates. It can lead to blurred or decreased vision in the affected eye.
There are two types of dry macular degeneration: early and late stage. Early-stage usually does not cause any symptoms and can only be detected through an eye exam. Late-stage can cause more significant vision loss, and symptoms may include difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
Wet
Wet macular degeneration is a severe eye condition that can lead to vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, causing leakage and bleeding. It can damage the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. Wet macular degeneration typically affects older adults but can also occur in younger people with certain medical conditions or risk factors.
Reducing The Risk Of Macular Degeneration
Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables are believed to protect the eyes from damage by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to inflammation and other issues.
They are produced naturally by the body but can also be created by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation. Free radicals scavenge electrons from other molecules to stabilize themselves, which can cause further damage. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from their harmful effects.
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