It is normal for people to experience poor eyesight with age. The first impulse is to clean the existing prescription lens carefully and continues to wear them 24X7. Sadly, this may not be helpful for individuals over 60 years or more. Poor eyesight and inability to view properly when looking straight is a condition known as macular degeneration. Make sure to visit your ophthalmologist at the earliest and get both eyes examined minutely. You may be referred to a specialist who is alternatively known as a Macular Degeneration Doctor.
It is important to learn that dry macular degeneration is prevalent among senior citizens. The central vision is reduced considerably so that an object may appear blurred when viewed directly. However, the objects on the side may be clear as the peripheral vision remains intact. You may only experience some loss of vision even centrally. However, the situation may worsen if nothing is done to stem the progress.
Another type of degeneration is referred to as wet macular degeneration. This differs from the dry form as the condition results in the development of tiny, abnormal blood vessels that leak frequently. This condition often develops from dry macular degeneration and is considered to be more severe comparatively.
It is vital to visit an eye doctor when you experience difficulty during reading or identification by face or printed letters. Losing a part of the central vision necessitates an immediate eye examination
Diagnosis made by the Macular Degeneration Doctor
The condition is confirmed by the specialist eye doctor based on the following symptoms:-
- Distortion of vision
- Low or no vision in the central part of the eye(s)
- Need for extra bright light to read or close work
- Difficulty in adapting to dim lighted environments
- The blurriness of television screens or printed characters
- Difficulty in recognizing people
- Existence of a defined bind or blurred sport in the field of vision
Unfortunately, there is no treatment to reverse such degeneration. However, the doctor may try to reduce the progression of the disease by advising/prescribing the following:
- Vitamin Supplements– Consuming a high dose of antioxidant and vitamin combination may reduce vision loss slowly but steadily. It is best to follow the doctor’s prescription instead of consuming supplements on a whim.
- Vision rehabilitation– While the peripheral vision remains intact despite being diagnosed with macular degeneration, it is important to redeem the lost central vision to be able o read, drive, and recognize people around you. The eye doctor is likely to refer you to a low vision expert who will try several low vision aids to rehabilitate your vision thereby improving your condition just a little.
- Surgery– Patients affected by macular degeneration in both eyes may be asked to go in for surgery. The procedure includes placing a telescopic lens in one eye.
Visiting a Macular Degeneration Doctor at the earliest is the only way to improve your vision and reduce vision loss as far as possible.