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What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a painless disease that causes you to lose the centre of your vision. It affects your ability to see fine detail and in advanced cases, you may not even be able to recognise facial features. If it’s left untreated it gets progressively worse over time and can eventually lead to blindness.

How can you detect Macular Degeneration? 

Regular eye tests mean your local Laubman & Pank optometrist can check for macular degeneration.

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

It’s easy for the early symptoms of macular degeneration to go unnoticed, or be dismissed as part of ‘getting older’. That’s why it’s really important to act immediately and book an eye test with your local Laubman & Pank optometrist if you notice any of the following signs:

  • Difficulty reading or doing any activity that requires fine vision.
  • Distortion where straight lines appear wavy or bent (especially if it happens suddenly).
  • Dark patches or empty spaces appearing in the centre of your vision.

Who is at risk of Macular Degeneration?

Today our experts know many of the risk factors for developing macular degeneration. You are generally more at risk if you:

  • Are over 50.
  • Have a family history of macular degeneration.
  • Are a smoker.

How can you get checked for Macular Degeneration?

Your local Laubman & Pank optometrist is always here to help. Book an eye test as soon as possible and then make sure you keep up regular eye tests every two years. There’s no cure for macular degeneration but often its progression can be slowed down. That’s why early detection is so important.

There are two different types of Macular Degeneration 

Dry Macular Degeneration

This is a slower form of the disease which causes gradual loss of your central vision. We can usually help you treat it with some diet and lifestyle changes, plus careful monitoring. More frequent checks are very important for everyone diagnosed with dry macular degeneration.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration usually has a sudden and profound onset. If it’s left undetected or untreated, you can experience rapid and severe loss of central vision which can occur within a short period of time.

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