Macular Degeneration, which affects central vision, is unfortunately a somewhat common eye disorder that we come across in both our clinics on the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads. Central vision loss means it affects what you see in front of you but not your peripheral vision. As you age, the macula—part of the retina—begins to deteriorate, making it difficult to see fine details. While it’s more common in older adults, lifestyle choices can influence its onset. You may suffer one of two types of macular degeneration: one is called wet macular degeneration, and the other is known as dry macular degeneration. Of the two types, dry macular degeneration is found to be the most common.
Macular degeneration specifically affects the macula. To better explain, the macula is the central area of your retina, and it's located at the back of your eye. This area of the eye allows us to see detail, and when you have macular degeneration, you lose the ability to see those details. Early signs of macular degeneration include blurred vision and difficulty seeing in low light. As the condition progresses, you might notice dark, blurry areas in the center of your vision or unusual colour perceptions.
Macular degeneration is progressive, meaning the condition will worsen over time. And, sadly, it's one of the leading causes of vision loss in Australia with an estimated 1.9 million of us displaying some evidence of the disease.
While macular degeneration cannot be cured, there are treatments available to help slow its progress, and in some cases, it may even be possible to restore some of the patient's vision.
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Treatments for macular degeneration may include the following:
- Nutritional therapy
- Various medications or eye injections
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) or laser surgery
- (Some of the above available via specialist referral)
When you visit Envision Optical for a comprehensive exam, one of our skilled optometrists will discuss your treatment options and offer advice on the best course of action for your specific situation and arrange any referrals for specialist treatments.
We will also be happy to answer any questions you may have at that time, as we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your care and at our clinics. So, never hesitate to ask anything that's on your mind.
Am I at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
While we're not certain why macular degeneration occurs in every case, there are some risk factors associated with this eye disorder.
Risk factors include:
- A family history of macular degeneration
- A history of cardiovascular disease or hypertension
- Smoking
- Being over 50 years of age
- Being overweight
- Exposure to UV light on a regular basis
- Women have a higher risk of macular degeneration than men
As with most eye disease, the prompt diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration is the key to any chance of slowing this disorder's progress. If you believe you may have macular degeneration, or are concerned at all about your vision, we encourage you to schedule in a comprehensive exam sooner rather than later. We invite you to contact our friendly team at either Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads for assistance, or to arrange your consultation with one of our dedicated optometrists. Stay informed and proactive in maintaining your eye health!