Answers to Common Questions about Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration has become the leading cause of vision loss in Americans who are 60 and older. Because macular degeneration primarily affects those over the age of 65, it's regularly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While there is no cure for AMD, our optometrists at North Bay Vision Center in Rohnert Park, CA, offer several treatments to help slow the disease and reduce the severity of vision loss.

We understand that you may question about AMD, so we compiled a few common questions and answers about it. Take a look at the below information.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a condition where the macula of the eye begins to break down, leading to a sudden or gradual loss of vision. Macular relates to the macula of the eye, which is the part of the retina tasked with the sharpness of vision. In the early stages, macular degeneration may not impact vision. However, as the disease progresses, people tend to experience blurred or wavy vision. If the condition continues to progress, you can suffer from the complete loss of central vision. Those who have advanced AMD are considered legally blind. Even so, those with advanced AMD may retain their side vision because the rest of the retina continues to work.

What Is the Macula?

The macula is the center part of the retina that controls your ability to recognize faces, drive a car, read, and see fine detail in objects. When your macula starts to deteriorate or is damaged, you'll see blurred images with missing detail.

Can AMD Cause Total Blindness?

Because AMD only affects the macula, it doesn't cause total blindness. Instead, only your central vision will be compromised. Yet, if the macular degeneration is allowed to progress, you can be classified as legally blind.

Is Macular Degeneration Painful?

Macular degeneration is commonly called a painless eye condition. As a matter of fact, you may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. For this reason, it's especially important to regularly visit an eye doctor for an eye exam. When you do, the optometry experts will carefully examine your retina for any early signs of the disease.

Contact Our Optometrists at North Bay Vision Center in Rohnert Park, CA

At North Bay Vision Center, we are a team of optometry experts specializing in all matters of the eye. Our goal is to meet your unique needs and help you see your world as vividly as possible. Contact our optometrists today at 707-584-7294 to make an appointment.