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Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment in Atlanta, GA There is no way to tell if or when the dry form will turn into the wet form. The dry form also can suddenly turn into the wet form, even during early stage AMD. The dry form can advance and cause vision loss without turning into the wet form.
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Your eye care professional can detect drusen during a comprehensive dilated eye exam. They often are found in people over age 60.
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One of the most common early signs of dry AMD is drusen.ĭrusen are yellow deposits under the retina. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. You may have difficulty recognizing faces. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. You will need a comprehensive dilated eye exam.ĭry macular degeneration occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. If you notice this condition or other changes to your vision, contact your eye care professional at once.
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With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly.Īn early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye, causing rapid damage to the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. However, other risk factors include smoking, obesity, family history, gender (women are more at risk than men), and race (Caucasians are more likely to develop the condition than African Americans).There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry. The greatest risk factor for macular degeneration is age. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision.
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