How to Prevent Macular Degeneration as You Age 

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease process that involves the deterioration of the macula, which is a small area of the retina that controls how sharp visual images are. AMD is the number one cause of vision loss in older Americans. Here at the Chapel Hills Vision Clinic in Colorado Springs wants to educate people on the importance of having their eyes evaluated on a regular basis. 

Symptoms of Wet AMD 

Symptoms of wet macular degeneration include visual distortions as well as the following: 

• a reduction of central vision that can affect the right or left eye or both 
• a prominent blind or blurry spot in the vision  field 
• overall  haziness of vision 
• rapid onset and progression of symptoms 

Symptoms of Dry AMD 

The symptoms of dry AMD are gradual and develop much slower than the symptoms of wet AMD. There is generally no pain associated with the symptoms of dry AMD which includes but are not limited to: 

• blurriness  of printed words become more pronounced 
• facial recognition becomes difficult 
• the intensity or sharpness of colors becomes less profound 
• it becomes difficult to adapt to dimmer light 
• It becomes necessary to increase the brightness of the light in the room when reading 
• there is a reduction of central vision in the right or left eye or both. 

There is no known specified cause of AMD, however, there are risk factors associated with the disease which include: 

• Cardiovascular Disease 
• family history 
• obesity 
• age 
• smoking 

How to Prevent AMD 

One of the most important things people can do to prevent AMD is to consult with a member of their team of optometrists to find out how often they need to have their eyes examined. People who have other chronic medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension, for example, should take their medications to their eye doctor along with the contact information for their family physician so that a coordination of care can be established. In addition, people should: 

• eat a healthy diet 
• exercise and maintain a healthy weight 
• quit smoking if they smoke 

Contact Our Optometrist for Treatment and Therapy 

The team of optometrists here at Chapel Hills Vision Clinic in Colorado Springs, we treat AMD through the use of Laser Photocoagulation and Anti-VEGF Therapy. In addition, our eye doctors also treat the disease with Anti-VEGF drugs. Our eye doctors offer full-service care to people of all ages. Give us a call today at 719-555-5083 to schedule an appointment to have your eyes evaluated today.