Macular degeneration is also known as ARMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration). It is a progressive eye problem that can cause significant vision loss. According to a study published in 2023 by The National Library of Medicine, it is the most common cause of blindness, especially affecting those over the age of 60. 

ARMD makes the tasks like recognizing faces or driving more challenging. Unfortunately, many people overlook these early signs, not realizing their significance. Recognizing these signs is crucial for seeking timely intervention and preserving your vision.

In this article, we will answer the common question: What are the early warning signs of Macular Degeneration? We’ll provide detailed insights into the symptoms, risk factors, and potential treatment approaches to help protect your vision.

5 early signs of Macular Degeneration

Before we learn about early signs of Macular Degeneration, it’s important to know that it can sometimes start without any noticeable signs. In some cases, individuals may not realize they have ARMD until they experience significant vision changes.

ARMD has two types, each with its own set of symptoms and progression. Dry ARMD, which is more common, typically develops first and may have subtle early symptoms. These symptoms might not be very noticeable at first. On the other hand, wet ARMD is a more severe form of the condition compared to dry ARMD and may cause rapid vision loss. 

Now, let’s go through all possible common early possible signs of Macular Degeneration.

Blurred vision

One of the first signs of Macular Degeneration is blurred vision. You might notice that your vision becomes hazy, especially when trying to focus on objects up close. Straight lines may start to appear wavy or distorted. If you experience these changes, it’s important to visit your eye doctor for a thorough examination. Ignoring these signs can worsen the vision over time.

Did you Know
AMD or ARMD can sometimes be detected with an Amsler grid, a simple tool for lined patterns. If the grid lines look wavy or parts are missing, it might indicate early AMD.
Regularly checking with an Amsler grid at home can help catch AMD early!

Loss of central vision

Central vision loss is another common sign of Macular Degeneration. Central vision is necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and performing close-up work. As ARMD progresses, these activities become increasingly difficult. 

If you find it quite hard to see in dim lighting or need a much brighter light for tasks, then this is a common early warning sign of Macular Degeneration. In this case, you need more light for reading, sewing, or other tasks that require close vision. This is because the macula, which is responsible for detailed vision, is not functioning as well as it should. 

Dark or empty areas in your central vision

Grey spot on pupil
Grey spot on pupil

Another common early warning sign is the appearance of dark or empty areas in the center of your vision. This might look like a shadowy, whited-out, or gray spot right where you are trying to focus. These changes in your central vision are strong indicators of Macular Degeneration.

Faded or less bright colors

When you start seeing colors fade or become less bright, it might be an early sign of ARMD. As ARMD gets worse, colors may seem washed out, less intense, and more faded. This change is subtle but can be a significant indicator of macular issues. If you notice this change, especially if it’s happening gradually, you should get your eyes checked by a healthcare professional.

Presence of drusen

Drusen is one of the common early signs of ARMD. They are tiny yellow deposits in the retina, and their presence indicates that your eye is at risk of developing more severe AMD. These deposits are visible to your eye doctor during an eye exam.

Risk factors for Macular Degeneration

Knowing the possible risk factors can help you stay vigilant and informed about your eye health. Some of the primary risk factors for ARMD include:

  • Age: People over the age of 50 are at higher risk
  • Family History: Having a family member with ARMD increases your risk
  • Smoking: Smoking significantly affects ARMD and increases its risk
  • Cardiovascular Health: Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to the development of ARMD
  • Diet: Poor nutrition, especially diets low in antioxidants, can be a contributing factor

How to treat Macular Degeneration

The major focus in treating ARMD is primarily on managing it and slowing its progression, as there is currently no cure. Here are some approaches prescribed by doctors:

Lifestyle choices

Making healthy choices can help slow down the progression of ARMD. This includes quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet rich in green vegetables, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, exercising regularly, and managing other health conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol.

Nutritional supplements

Taking certain nutrient-rich supplements can lower the risk of ARMD. These supplements typically contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Your doctor can recommend the right supplements for you.

Also read: There are certain eye Vitamins that can help to treat Macular Degeneration. To know about these, read our article Which Eye Vitamin is Best for Macular Degeneration.

Anti-VEGF therapy

VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor( It’s a protein that leads to abnormal blood vessels growing in your eye). Anti-VEGF therapy is a treatment for wet ARMD. In wet ARMD, these abnormal blood vessels can leak fluid and blood, damaging the macula and leading to vision loss.

Anti-VEGF drugs work by blocking the VEGF protein, which helps to stop the growth of these abnormal blood vessels and reduce leakage. Doctors inject these drugs directly into the eye to manage the condition and preserve vision.

Warning
Make sure to ask your doctor first before considering anti-VEGF therapy, as it carries serious risks like Cataracts, bleeding inside the eye, retinal detachment, or infection.
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Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a less common treatment option for ARMD. During PDT, your eye doctor injects a medicine called Verteporfin into a vein in your arm. The medication travels to the abnormal blood vessels in your eye. Then, your doctor shines a focused light from a special laser on these blood vessels. This light activates the Verteporfin, causing the abnormal blood vessels to close and stop leaking. This helps to prevent further damage to the retina and can slow the progression of vision loss.

Conclusion

Identifying the early signs of Macular Degeneration is essential for timely diagnosis and preservation of vision. Symptoms like blurry vision, difficulty recognizing faces, wavy lines, dark spots in the vision, and faded colors are common early signs, and these should not be ignored. Age, smoking, and poor diet are a few risk factors for ARMD. 

While there is no cure for Macular Degeneration, treatment approaches like anti-VEGF therapy and photodynamic therapy can slow its progression. Adopting a healthy diet and nutritional supplements, including antioxidants and zinc supplementation, also helps decrease the risk of vision loss. Regular eye check-ups and early diagnosis are important for maintaining your vision and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early warning signs of age-related Macular Degeneration?

The early warning signs of ARMD include blurry vision, the presence of drusen, wavy lines, dark spots in the vision, and faded colors. These signs may develop gradually and should not be ignored. Regular eye check-ups are important.

How can Macular Degeneration be treated?

There is no cure for Macular Degeneration. However, its progression can be managed through various treatments. Healthy lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and regular exercise can help. Treatments like anti-VEGF therapy and photodynamic therapy can slow the progression and preserve vision.

Is faded vision a sign of Macular Degeneration?

Yes, faded vision can be a sign of Macular Degeneration. Alongside other symptoms like central loss of vision and difficulty seeing bright colors, it indicates the early stages of the condition. If you notice any changes in your vision, consult with an eye care professional.

What increases the risk of getting Macular Degeneration?

Age, family history, smoking, poor diet, and certain health conditions like hypertension increase the risk of developing Macular Degeneration. Regular eye check-ups and lifestyle modifications can help lower these risks.

Citations:
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