Near Aliso Viejo, the Orange County Eye Institute can help you recognize and treat dry macular degeneration

Of the two types of macular degeneration, dry macular degeneration is seen more often. The main condition is one that seems to occur with age, perhaps as tissues within the body begin to weaken or break down. Both wet and dry macular degeneration are problems that we tend to see more in people over the age of fifty.

In dry macular degeneration, a loss of clarity in the central field of vision occurs. This is because the macula is situated at the centermost point in the retina, at the back of the eye. Impairment in any area of vision is detrimental, but distortion or a blind or blurry spot in central vision can impede your ability to recognize faces, and also to drive, read, or perform other tasks successfully. It is vitally important to seek professional treatment of chronic, dry macular degeneration in order to preserve the utmost quality of life.

The symptoms of dry macular degeneration tend to develop gradually. If you live near Aliso Viejo and experience any of these signs of dry macular degeneration, contact the Orange County Eye Institute for a thorough evaluation.

• Lighting needs to be brighter for reading or close-up tasks.
• You experience an increase in difficulty adapting to areas of low light, such as entering a dimly lit room.
• Printed words appear blurry.
• Colors do not appear as intense or bright as they once did.
• It becomes difficult to recognize faces.
• Central or overall vision gradually becomes hazier.
• Objects viewed in central vision appear crooked or wavy.
• A blind or blurry spot appears in your center of vision.
• You visualize hallucinations of people or shapes, a sign of advanced degeneration.

Risk factors of dry macular degeneration

Although no exact cause for dry macular degeneration is known, certain risk factors have been identified. These include:

• Heredity. Macular degeneration is a condition that is often found in family trees.
• Age. As we age, the risk of macular degeneration increases. This condition is commonly found in people over the age of 65, and as young as 50.
• Ethnicity. Caucasian people are most commonly affected by macular degeneration.
• Obesity. Weight can have an effect on the progression of macular degeneration. The heavier one is, the higher the risk of rapid progression from early or intermediate status to severe macular degeneration.
• Poor diet, lacking nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables, may lead to an increased risk of this condition.
• High cholesterol.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Smoking.

The Orange County Eye Institute has solutions to various vision problems. If you suspect you may be facing macular degeneration, contact us for your evaluation right away.

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