Macular degeneration affects nearly 7% of adults aged 40 and older. You won’t have symptoms until the disease progresses and affects your vision, but the experienced optometrists at Bronx Eye Associates can detect the earliest signs during your routine eye exam. Don’t wait for vision loss before getting treatment that may prevent macular degeneration from worsening. Schedule an appointment by calling the office in the Bronx in New York City or using the online booking feature.
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), develops in the part of your retina that contains millions of light-sensing cells. This area, called the macula, is essential for visual acuity and central vision.
AMD develops when the vital cells in the macula begin to deteriorate, ultimately leading to vision loss. Their degeneration happens for several reasons, depending on the type of AMD.
The two types, or stages, of AMD are:
You won’t have symptoms when AMD is in an early stage. As more cells become damaged, you’ll develop:
As macular degeneration progresses, many patients have a hard time recognizing faces because loss of central vision blots out a person’s face.
It’s important to get routine eye exams after the age of 40 because your optometrist at Bronx Eye Associates can detect early signs of macular degeneration.
Changes in your retina are visible during a comprehensive eye exam long before you develop vision symptoms, so an early diagnosis gives you the chance to take steps to preserve your vision.
If you’re overdue for a comprehensive eye exam or you have a question about vision problems, call Bronx Eye Associates or book an appointment online.