Macular Degeneration – Symptoms and Treatments Explained

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that slowly leads to vision loss over the course of time. Millions of people around the world have this progressive eye disease, and there are several symptoms to watch for and treatment options available.

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Macular degeneration is a common eye disease that primarily affects people in their late 40s onward. There is no cure for this disease, but you can manage the symptoms with treatment. The symptom severity and the speed of the disease’s progression will vary from person to person.

However, recognising the symptoms and starting treatment early can reduce how quickly you lose your vision. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry vision
• Change in your distance vision
• Dark or whiteout areas in the centre of your eye
• Changes in your colour perception (a rare symptom)

Macular Degeneration Causes

The ageing process is one of the biggest causes of macular degeneration. Lifestyle choices also play a role like your diet and exercise routine. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or smoke, this also puts you at an increased risk of developing this eye disease. Your genetics factor in as well, and you’re at higher risk if you have a familial history of it.

Macular Degeneration Treatments

If you notice any of the common symptoms in your own eyes, you do want to contact your eye doctor and set up an appointment and have testing performed. Early detection is key to slowing down the disease’s progression and allowing you to keep your site longer. Treatments to help with macular degeneration may include:

• Diet Changes – Eating a healthier diet with antioxidant-rich foods can help give your eye health a boost and slow down the disease’s progression. Blueberries, strawberries, spinach, tomatoes, kidney beans, and broccoli are all antioxidant-rich foods.
• Medications – Certain types of medications may help your Macular Degeneration. Physicians often prescribe vitamin supplements with Vitamins C and E, dietary supplements, eye drops or blood vessel growth inhibitors to treat the disease.
• Surgery – Laser surgery is an option with certain types of Macular Degeneration. Your eye doctor will advise you on the best surgical treatment option for your eyes. It isn’t an option for all types of Macular Degeneration.

It’s essential that you become an advocate for your eye health and take action when you notice changes. You can contact us today to schedule a consultation with Sydney’s leading laser eye surgeon, Dr Moshegov, to discuss your prognosis and treatment options.