Common Myths about Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, generally known as AMD, is a progressive eye disease mainly affecting persons over 60. Peripheral vision, or side vision, may be preserved in people with macular degeneration despite the loss of central vision. Many individuals mistakenly believe that being diagnosed with macular degeneration San Antonio would result in permanent blindness. Treatments and lifestyle modifications may help slow the condition’s progression, and there are several options. You may collaborate with your eye doctor to safeguard your eyesight and eye health by understanding macular degeneration misconceptions. The following are some of the popular ones:

If you have AMD, you will be able to tell right away.

Patients with macular degeneration are often unaware of their condition. It usually begins with just minor visual problems or no symptoms at all. A significant vision loss is only in the most severe stages of the disease. As a result, regular eye examinations are critical. The early indications of macular degeneration may include impaired center vision, black or blank regions in your sight, and curved vision for those who have it (such as seeing something wavy when it is straight).

If you suffer from macular degeneration, you will lose your vision.

While you may lose some vision, you may not go completely blind. Macular degeneration affects central vision the most, whereas peripheral vision is frequently unaffected even in those regarded as “legally blind.”

You can’t treat macular degeneration.

If you suffer from dry AMD, there are several treatment options available. These include antioxidant supplements to slow down the progression of the disease’s signs and symptoms, low vision rehabilitation under the guidance of a specialist to help you get used to your vision loss, or a surgical lens implant to increase your field of vision. You can prevent the development of wet AMD and potentially reverse some vision loss with medication. Using medicine and light or lasers to seal the blood vessels in the macula and prevent leakage may also be a possibility for photodynamic and laser treatment. Wet AMD-related vision deficiencies, such as blind spots, may also benefit from low vision rehabilitation.

Macular degeneration exclusively affects the elderly.

Some kinds of macular degeneration, such as Stargardt disease and myopic macular degeneration, may afflict persons as young as 50 years old, even though AMD is more common in that age group.

Your diet and lifestyle do not affect AMD.

According to research, people who follow a balanced diet and complement it with particular vitamins have a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Diets high in green leafy vegetables, vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin are excellent for optimal health. Your eye health may be affected by various lifestyle variables, such as how much time you spend in front of a computer or how much exercise you do.

If you have any particular concerns concerning macular degeneration, speaking with your eye doctor is preferable rather than relying on the online wealth of information. As a result, they are familiar with your medical history, current diagnosis, and visual level. If you have any questions or worries, they can answer them truthfully and calmly.