What Is Macular Degeneration?
What is the macula?
The macula is the area at the center of the retina that is responsible for functions such as reading, recognizing faces and seeing fine detail. Age-related macular degeneration can affect this area.
What are the symptoms?
Blurred central vision, seeing straight lines as crooked, difficulty reading or a spot in the center of the image may occur.
What do the dry and wet types mean?
There are different types of the disease. Some patients have changes that progress more slowly, while in the form known as the wet type, faster changes in vision may occur.
When should you see a doctor?
An eye examination should not be delayed, especially when newly appearing distortion of lines or a sudden change in central vision is noticed.
When is an eye examination needed?
If you have a vision complaint that is new, ongoing or affecting your daily life, it is advisable to have it evaluated with an eye examination. Symptoms such as sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain or a curtain/shadow in your visual field should be evaluated without delay.
Information note: This article has been prepared for general information purposes. Decisions on diagnosis and treatment should be made after evaluating the person's eye examination and medical condition.
