If you are over 50 years of age and have other specific characteristics, you may be prone to experiencing Macular Degeneration.

Macular Degeneration is an age-related condition that causes central vision loss due to damage/aging of the macula, or the center part of the “back of the eye.” This disease affects millions of people and visual loss can range from mild to extremely severe. Central vision distortion may occur which may result in straight lines or faces to appear wavy, doorways may seem crooked, and objects may appear smaller or further away than normal. The Amsler Grid is a tool that is used to evaluate any signs of visual distortion.

There are two varieties of Macular Degeneration: wet and dry.

Dry Macular Degeneration should be checked frequently by your retina specialist. The “dry” disease is more prevalent and can take on many forms. Those may have vision that can range from good to very poor. Currently there is no proven treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration; therefore, consistent follow up with your retina specialist is necessary to observe if it converts to Wet Macular Degeneration.

Wet Macular Degeneration is caused when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow underneath the “back of the eye.” These vessels begin to leak blood and fluid causing damage and scarring to the macula. This is a serious condition that should be evaluated by a retina specialist. Symptoms may include blurriness in the center of vision, straight lines that look wavy, colors may start to seem dull, and one may notice blind spots or patches in vision. Wet Macular Degeneration is less common than dry, yet it is still one of the leading causes of vision loss for people ages 50 and older.