10 Facts You Should Know About Macular Degeneration

The expert eye doctors at Elmquist Eye Group present the following 10 facts you should know about Macular Degeneration (AMD) to help you understand the condition, its symptoms, and the treatment options.

10 Facts You Should Know About Macular DegenerationUsing state-of-the-art technology, Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, and the highly skilled Elmquist Eye Group team, including Kate Wagner, OD, partner, and Nina Burt, OD, provide a full spectrum of eye care services in a comfortable and caring setting.

Macular Degeneration Facts

  1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which damages a part of the retina called the macula, is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.
  2. As many as 11 million people in the USA have some form of AMD. This number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050.
  3. Although AMD is most likely to occur after the age of 60, it can occur earlier.
  4. The risk of getting advanced AMD increases from 2% for individuals aged 50 to 59, to nearly 30% for those over the age of 75.
  5. Among Americans age 50 and older, advanced AMD affects whites more frequently than blacks, non-white Hispanics and other ethnic groups (2.5% vs. 0.9 %).
  6. There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. The dry form is the most common type, accounting for 90% of diagnosed cases.
  7. It is possible for an individual to suffer from both dry and wet AMD and for the disease to progress slowly or rapidly.
  8. It is possible to develop AMD in only one eye. However, both eyes may become affected as the disease progresses.
  9. The loss of central vision caused by AMD can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house.
  10. There is no cure for Macular Degeneration.

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

The basic symptoms of AMD are:

  • Reduced or distorted central vision in one or both eyes
  • Reduced ability to distinguish colors
  • A blind or blurry spot in your field of vision
  • General haziness in your overall vision
  • Loss of depth perception
  • Difficulty recognizing faces

The only way to detect AMD is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During the exam, drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Then we use a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other eye problems.

It is not unusual for AMD to have no noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages. Vision loss is typically gradual, and there is no pain or discomfort. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is important to get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group right away.

For more facts about Macular Degeneration, schedule an evaluation with Elmquist Eye Group by calling (239) 936-2020. You should know that early detection can help preserve your vision.