What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Macular Degeneration in Mt Pleasant

Macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss, affects millions of Americans, mostly people aged 65 and older. Optometrist Dr. H. Arnold Papernick works extensively with people suffering from this disorder, which involves the deterioration of an important part of the eye called the macula.

What is macular degeneration?

The back of your eye is covered by a thin tissue known as the retina. The retina collects visual information and transmits this information along the optic nerves to the brain. The macula is the center point of the retina, and is necessary for tasks such as reading and driving. People who have macular degeneration gradually experience a breakdown of the macula over time. This breakdown is caused by either the growth of small yellow deposits or leaky blood vessels behind the macula. The exact cause is unknown, but thought to be related to environmental and genetic factors. Possible risk factors include advancing age, smoking, and poor nutrition.

What are the signs and symptoms of macular degeneration?

Signs and symptoms of macular degeneration develop slowly. The most common symptom is blurry central vision. Advanced stages can cause complete loss of eyesight in the central visual field. Peripheral vision tends to remain intact.

Macular Degeneration Treatment with Your Local Mt. Pleasant eye doctor

While there is no known cure for macular degeneration, this eye condition is manageable, especially with early diagnosis and treatment. This is why it's crucial to see an optometrist regularly, so that early warning signs of the disease can be detected. The main goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and to provide coping and adaptation strategies for low or impaired vision.

Depending on the type and severity of degeneration, an optometrist can provide a variety of comprehensive treatments, including prescription eyewear, optical devices, eye safety training, and nutritional counseling.

Do you suffer from macular degeneration?

If you have macular degeneration, or are curious about your eye health, call Dr. H. Arnold Papernick OD today at 724-547-5711 to schedule an appointment.