By Karleia Steiner
Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that usually affects older people. It is a medical condition that causes a loss of vision. This loss of vision begins in the center of the visual field. As the macular degeneration advances, it can become very difficult to read or see images. There are several signs and symptoms that are present with macular degeneration.
Distorted Vision
In early macular degeneration, the center of the field of vision may begin to become distorted. A person may notice distortion when looking at straight lines. Telephone or utility poles may appear distorted when viewed from a distance. There are also grids available online and through Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. that can be used to determine if there is any distortion in the vision. These grids can also be used to gauge the progression of macular degeneration in a person. You can also use a simple piece of graph paper to see if there is any distortion in the vision
Blurry Vision
A classic sign of macular degeneration is a blurring of the vision. According to optometrist in Edmonton ,this will first be notice in the center of vision and will progress outward. The center of vision may appear blurry and dark or it may appear to be whited out. It may become more and more difficult to read as the words on the paper will become more blurry as the disease progresses.
Color Perception
Another sign of macular degeneration is a difference of color perception. Color perception may change or it may diminish with as the macular degeneration progresses. Colors may also appear to be less bright.
Visual Hallucinations
In severe macular degeneration, a person may experience visual hallucinations. These may take the form of basic patterns or more detailed images. This symptom does not appear in every person with macular degeneration. They usually go away after several months, but can last for several years.
If you do develop any of these symptoms, it is important to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible. They will perform a wide variety of tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. They may ask you to look at a grid to determine if there is visual distortion. They will use a slit lamp microscope to look at the back of the eyes. This will enable the doctor to examine the retina of the eye to see if signs of macular degeneration are present. They may take digital photographs at each appointment so they can see how the disease is progressing. The doctor will then determine a treatment plan for the patient.
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