Macular Degeneration 101: What is it and Who is at Risk?

If you’ve started to notice blurry spots in your central vision—or that straight lines suddenly look wavy—it’s time to take it seriously. You could be seeing the early signs of macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss in adults over 60.

This sneaky eye disease targets the macula, the tiny but mighty part of your retina that controls sharp, central vision. That’s the vision you rely on to read, drive, recognize faces and appreciate detail. When the macula starts to deteriorate, so does your ability to see life clearly.

There are 2 types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is the slow-burning version—accounting for about 90% of cases—caused by thinning of the macula and the buildup of yellow deposits called drusen. Wet AMD is the more aggressive form. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak beneath the retina, causing sudden and severe central vision loss.

Both types can seriously impact your day-to-day life, but the wet form requires urgent treatment to preserve your sight.

Age is the biggest risk factor, but it’s not the only one. Smoking, high blood pressure, poor nutrition, obesity and even sun exposure can increase your chances. Family history and genetics matter, too—and women and Caucasians have slightly higher odds.

Macular degeneration doesn’t usually come with pain or flashing lights. It creeps up subtly. You might notice:

• Blurry or fuzzy vision
• Trouble recognizing faces
• Straight lines that appear distorted
• Dark or empty spots in the center of your vision

Think of it this way: if you rely on glasses to see clearly and things still seem off, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. You can do so by calling Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 or visiting WEBSITE. 

A full workup includes a dilated eye exam, OCT imaging (which gives a cross-section of your retina), Amsler grid testing and, in some cases, fluorescein angiography to check for leaky blood vessels. These tools help your doctor detect AMD even before symptoms start.

While there’s no cure, early action can slow it down:

• Dry AMD: Lifestyle changes, AREDS2 supplements (a specific blend of antioxidants and vitamins) and regular monitoring.

• Wet AMD: Anti-VEGF injections to stop abnormal blood vessel growth, sometimes combined with laser therapy.

Eat your greens. Wear sunglasses. Quit smoking. And don’t skip your eye exams. Macular degeneration doesn’t wait around, and neither should you.
If you’re over 60 or have risk factors, schedule an eye exam with Associated Retina Consultants today. Call 602-242-4928 or visit WEBSITE to protect your sight before it’s gone.