Macular Degeneration Symptoms

A disease of the eye, macular degeneration refers to the progressive deterioration of the retina. With macular degeneration, the light-sensing cells of the macula (the central vision area) deteriorate and eventually die, causing permanent vision damage. Macular degeneration presents itself with several symptoms, which can help diagnose the disease.

Development of blind spots

Those who are afflicted with macular degeneration typically experience blind spots, or scotomas. As this disease breaks down the central vision area, it begins to cut out vision, resulting in blind spots.

Blurry vision

Blurred vision is another symptom that is typically associated with macular degeneration. Images that are both close-up and far away become blurry, making the person afflicted with the disease both near-sighted and far-sighted.

Different appearances

With macular degeneration, things appear different in both eyes. For example, lines can appear straight when viewed with one eye and curved when viewed with the other; or objects can appear as one color or shape in one eye and another color or shape in the opposite eye.

Altered sizes

Another symptom that is commonly associated with this degenerative eye disease is altered sizes. Objects viewed with one eye often appear smaller than objects viewed with the other eye. These altered sizes is caused by bulging in the macula, causing objects to be smaller than they actually are.

Awareness of the signs and symptoms associated with macular degeneration can help diagnose the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. He or she can give you a comprehensive exam to make a proper diagnosis.