Information on the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

The symptoms of macular degeneration are quite distinct, and a trained eye care specialist can recognize them quite easily. However, as the onset of these symptoms is so gradual, many people suffering from the disease do not even notice vision loss until the disease has progressed to the advanced stages. Read on for more information on macular degeneration and its symptoms, as knowing the signs to look for and seeking treatment early are the best ways to prevent advancement of the disease.

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Macular degeneration most commonly affects patients over 50 years of age. Although it may present with a variety of symptoms, macular degeneration often goes unnoticed by patients during the initial stages. This may be due to the fact that the stronger of the two eyes may be compensating for weaker vision in the affected eye.

Symptoms of Dry Macular Degeneration

Common symptoms of dry macular degeneration include

• blurred images in the central vision
• dimness of vision,
• difficulty reading or seeing objects up close
• distortion of lines.

Occasionally, patients may notice that objects appear to be smaller or larger than they actually are. Symptoms of macular degeneration are often noticed when patients look at objects they know to have straight edges — such as the edge of a page or lines on a road — and these lines suddenly appear wavy or distorted. In rare cases, the patient may not notice any symptoms of macular degeneration; instead the condition is detected by an ophthalmologist. Because of the sometimes fast rate of macular degeneration progression, it is important to gather information on macular degeneration if you feel you may be exhibiting symptoms. Macular degeneration, while not currently reversible or curable, can be slowed or eased with a variety of macular degeneration treatment options.

Symptoms of Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms. Many of these symptoms are very similar to those experienced as a result of dry macular degeneration, though the symptoms associated with wet AMD are generally more pronounced. Central vision loss is much more significant with wet AMD, and large blind spots may begin to form.

Often with both wet and dry AMD, one eye begins to lose vision faster than the other. In this case, the difference may not be noticeable, as the other, stronger eye compensates for the loss of vision in the other. However, when vision loss becomes noticeable in both eyes, lifestyle is seriously affected.

Some patients who have lost central vision in one or both eyes begin experiencing hallucinations, as their mind attempts to make up for the loss in vision. These hallucinations can range from amusing to surprising to disturbing, but they are not a sign of mental illness. Rather, they are a sign of Charles Bonnet syndrome, a condition affecting those who have lost areas in their field of vision. Very similar to the “phantom limb” phenomenon, Charles Bonnet syndrome is a mental compensation for a loss in sensational input.

Find a Macular Degeneration Specialist

If you have noticed symptoms of macular degeneration or would like more information on macular degeneration, please contact an eye care professional immediately. Use our online directory to find an experienced ophthalmologist in your area today.