Dry Macular Degeneration – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Dry macular degeneration affects the macula, a crucial part of the retina that controls central vision. This eye condition typically appears in people over 50 and causes blurred or reduced central vision.

The condition can develop in one eye before affecting the other, or it may appear in both eyes simultaneously.

As dry macular degeneration progresses, daily activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces become more challenging. However, total blindness isn’t typical with this condition.

Most people maintain their peripheral (side) vision while experiencing varying degrees of central vision loss—some mild, others more significant.

Key Facts About Dry Macular Degeneration:

• Affects primarily central vision
• Common in people over age 50
• Can affect one or both eyes
• Preserves peripheral vision
• Early detection can help manage progression

Signs of Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration typically develops slowly without causing pain. People with this condition may experience several visual changes.

You might notice straight lines appear wavy or bent. Central vision may become reduced in one or both eyes.

Reading might require brighter lighting than before. Many people find it harder to adjust when entering dim places like restaurants or movie theaters.

Printed text often appears more blurry. Recognizing familiar faces becomes challenging.

A specific blurry or blind spot may develop in your central field of vision. This spot often has defined edges.

Dry macular degeneration can affect one eye or both. If only one eye is affected, you might not notice vision changes because your healthy eye compensates. The condition doesn’t affect peripheral (side) vision, so it doesn’t cause complete blindness.

This condition represents one of two types of age-related macular degeneration. While dry macular degeneration usually progresses slowly over years, it can advance to the wet type.

Wet macular degeneration involves abnormal blood vessels growing and leaking under the retina, often causing more sudden vision changes and serious vision loss.

When Medical Attention Is Needed

Contact your eye doctor promptly if you experience:

• Changes in central vision, including distortion or blind spots
• Difficulty seeing fine details that wasn’t present before

These symptoms may indicate early macular degeneration, especially if you’re older than 60.

Causes

The exact cause of dry macular degeneration remains unknown. Scientists believe it likely stems from a mix of genetic factors and lifestyle choices.

People who smoke, have obesity, or follow certain diets may face higher risks.

This condition is part of the eye’s aging process. It specifically targets the macula, which is the part of the retina that helps you see clearly straight ahead.

As time passes, the macula’s tissue becomes thinner. The cells needed for vision gradually disappear.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chances of developing macular degeneration:

• Age: People over 50 face a higher risk.
• Genetics: The condition often runs in families, with several identified genes linked to it.
• Race: White individuals have higher rates of occurrence.
• Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases risk.
• Body Weight: Being obese may cause early or intermediate forms to progress to more severe stages.
• Heart Health: Those with cardiovascular disease may face an elevated risk.

Complications

People with advanced dry macular degeneration who experience central vision loss may develop depression and feel socially isolated.

Some individuals might also experience visual hallucinations, a condition known as Charles Bonnet syndrome.

Another serious risk is the progression from dry to wet macular degeneration. This transition can lead to rapid and complete vision loss if treatment is not provided promptly.

Preventing Macular Degeneration

Regular eye check-ups are key to catching macular degeneration early. You can take several steps to lower your risk:

Manage Existing Health Conditions

• Take prescribed medications for cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully.

Avoid Tobacco

Smoking significantly increases macular degeneration risk. Ask healthcare providers about smoking cessation programs if you need help quitting.

Maintain a Healthy Weight and Activity Levels

• Exercise regularly.
• Reduce calorie intake if weight loss is needed.

Choose Nutrient-Rich Foods

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants that help protect eye health.

Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet:

• Fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
• Nuts, especially walnuts.

Your lifestyle choices matter. By making these changes, you can help protect your vision and reduce your chances of developing this eye condition. Even small improvements to your daily habits may have significant benefits for your long-term eye health.