The macula is a highly specialized area of the retina, responsible for your most precise, sharpest vision. This delicate part of the eye is particularly vulnerable to many things including age, ultraviolet light and other factors that can lead to deterioration of vision. Whether “dry” (atrophic) or “wet” (hemorrhagic), macular degeneration leads to the loss of central vision, preventing one from achieving crisp, clear vision. Because this condition is most effectively managed in its early stages, prompt intervention and treatment are essential. While age remains the most prevalent risk factor for developing macular degeneration, other risk factors include smoking, obesity, race, a family history of the disease and gender.
At Optometric Care, our doctors regularly diagnose, manage and treat macular degeneration. Having a yearly, dilated eye exam is essential in diagnosing many ocular diseases, including macular degeneration…one more reason to schedule your comprehensive exam today!
To learn more about macular degeneration, including symptoms, management, and treatment options, please visit NEI's facts about Age-Related Macular Degeneration.