Symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is something that can come on as a person gets older. Unlike creaky bones, gray hair and having to stop and think to come up with the right word for something, age-related macular degeneration is rarely discussed over the Mahjong board. Seriously, though, it’s a serious condition that can severely impact a person’s quality of life, which is why it’s important to know the symptoms to watch out for. Your optometrist in Falls Church, VA would like you to be on the lookout for:

Blurred Central Vision

The term “can’t see straight” is very applicable to macular degeneration, since one of the most common early symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a gradual blurring of central vision. This affects activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces, where clear focus is essential.

Hard Seeing Fine Details

As AMD advances, people may experience difficulty with tasks that require precision, such as threading a needle, reading small print or distinguishing intricate patterns. This symptom can be particularly maddening, as it impacts many of the activities that older folks most enjoy, like Mahjong and others. Colors may also appear less vibrant, making everyday tasks more challenging.

Distorted Vision

Don’t assume you’re having a seizure if you’re seeing wavy lines. It might be AMD. This is a condition known as metamorphopsia. For example, looking at a grid or the edge of a door frame may result in crooked or irregular lines. It can be disconcerting, and can even make you feel dizzy.

Dark or Empty Spots

People with AMD may notice dark or empty spots (also known as scotomas) in the center of their vision. These spots can block out part of an image or text, making it harder to see objects directly in front of them. Over time, these spots can grow, leading to further vision loss.

Treatment for age-related macular degeneration in Falls Church, VA is available at Nova Vision Center. Get in touch to book your appointment today.