February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month

Age-related macular degeneration or ARMD, is a leading cause of vision loss affecting millions of people over the age of 50.

ARMD is a deterioration of the macula which is a small portion of the retina that is in charge of central vision.  Damage to the macula can affect the ability to drive, read, and  see clearly. This eye disease can occur slowly over time and is hereditary.   Women and individuals with fair skin seem to be at a higher risk. Certain health conditions also increase the risk of ARMD such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol.

ARMD can occur in two forms: “dry” or atrophic and “wet” or exudative. Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form, for which there is no known treatment. The less common wet form may respond to laser procedures and/or injections, if diagnosed and treated early. 

Some common symptoms are: a gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision, and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision, or straight lines appearing wavy. Vision lost to macular degeneration cannot be restored.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed, contact Wink Optometry for a comprehensive examination.

Reference:  Milauskas Eye Institute.  milauskas-eye.com. Accessed Feb 2014.