An annual, comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect signs of macular degeneration such as impaired facial and color recognition, difficulty adapting to low light environments, distortion of geometric forms and distortion of geometric figures. Early stages of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) often remain painless.

Around 90% of individuals suffering from macular degeneration have the “dry” form, characterized by thinning of their macula and leading to blurriness, dark areas or distortion in central vision without impacting side or peripheral vision.

Blurred or hazy vision

Blurry or hazy vision is often an early telltale sign of macular degeneration. This blurriness affects central vision and makes it harder to see fine details and colors; making driving, shopping, cooking and performing other daily tasks harder; it can even make distinguishing people difficult or impossible altogether. Furthermore, those living with macular degeneration may notice colors appear less saturated; similar shades look faded and out-of-focus compared to when the person had previously had normal eyesight. These changes may make it hard to tell whether objects are in focus; which can make their vision worsen over time compared to prior years or previous decades compared with prior good eyesight being taken advantage of before.

Blurring in the center of visual field often occurs as the macula thins and loses its ability to transmit clear images to the retina, due to insufficient nutrition being delivered directly into this part of the eye. Over time, this leads to decreased central vision that may eventually result in permanent loss. Though blurriness usually does not impact peripheral (side) vision as much, it can still make reading and driving difficult, especially in dimly lit conditions.

AMD often progresses slowly, often without patients even realizing. If suddenly blurry vision occurs it is important to schedule an eye exam as this could indicate another issue such as retinal disease or cataract that needs urgent care.

Macular degeneration typically takes the form of dry macular degeneration, in which deposits known as drusen slowly build up underneath the retina and lead to central vision loss. In approximately 10% of cases, abnormally formed blood vessels below the retina can leak fluids into the macula leading to rapid vision decline – this type is called wet macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration’s early stages are marked by mild blurriness or blind spots in the center of your visual field, distortion of straight objects and difficulty adapting to changing light conditions. People over 50 should visit their eye care provider regularly for regular dilated eye exams to monitor any vision problems using Amsler grid charts or by injecting harmless orange-red dye into their arm and taking photographs of blood vessels under their retina (angiography).

Difficulty recognizing faces

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition which gradually diminishes central retinal vision, and is one of the leading causes of legal blindness among individuals aged 55 years or over in industrialized countries. AMD occurs as light-sensitive cells within the macula begin to break down, leading to blurry or distorted vision that’s difficult to focus on and often unnoticed at first – however if changes in your vision or any potential risk exist for AMD it is wise to consult an eye doctor immediately.

Dry macular degeneration is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of eye disease, progressing gradually without leading to total blindness; peripheral vision remains intact throughout. This condition makes reading, driving and recognising faces difficult; additionally it affects color perception and fine details vision.

At this stage, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) begins to break down, leading to yellow deposits known as drusen under the retina that cannot be seen without dilation of your eyes. Furthermore, there is a decrease in thickness of retinal layer which results in fluid accumulation beneath retina and RPE and distorting straight lines causing distortions in vision.

Wet macular degeneration is an advanced stage of macular degeneration and occurs when blood vessels grow beneath the choroid layer and leak blood or fluid into the back of the eye, damaging retina and eventually leading to blindness. People with wet macular degeneration typically experience faster and more severe loss of vision than those in its dry phase.

Smoking cessation, eating healthily and managing blood pressure and cholesterol are key ways of avoiding the symptoms of this eye disease. Furthermore, wearing sunglasses when going outdoors as well as when using devices like closed circuit TV and magnifiers is recommended, along with taking supplements containing vitamins C, E, lutein and zeaxanthin can all be useful in slowing progression of this condition.

Colors appear less saturated

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that gradually destroys central vision. Affecting those over 50, AMD is one of the primary causes of blindness. Maintaining central vision is essential for reading, driving and recognising faces among other activities.

Macular degeneration’s first indications can be seen in changes to color perception; bright shades become dull and similar colors difficult to differentiate. Over time, AMD can progress further causing difficulties recognizing faces or navigating around your home as objects are no longer located where they should be in relation to one another.

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision as well as fine detail, begins to thin with age, leading to permanent vision loss over time. Dry macular degeneration is the most prevalent form, often indicated by yellow deposits known as drusen under the retina.

Wet macular degeneration is less prevalent and is marked by abnormal blood vessels forming beneath the retina that leak blood and fluid, distorting vision and progressing quickly to lead to severe vision loss within days.

Researchers suspect that macular degeneration is caused by genetics, lifestyle factors and aging that increase one’s risk. Smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease may all increase this risk; currently researchers are researching methods of slowing its progress through vitamin supplements or diet changes.

Diets rich in antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin may help delay macular degeneration. These nutrients can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables such as kale, raw spinach and collard greens as well as in nutritional supplements.

Slow vision adaption

Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of legal blindness for those over 75, cannot be reversed completely; however there are ways that can help slow its progress. Regular visits to your ophthalmologist, particularly if there is a family history of the condition, will enable them to test your vision for signs such as blurred distance or reading vision, a dark spot in the center of your visual field, distortion of straight lines or color loss as early signs.

Macular degeneration typically manifests itself through changes to how your eyes adapt to various light conditions, with people with macular degeneration experiencing difficulty transitioning from dark environments into bright ones, such as leaving a movie theater and heading outdoors or driving through an underground tunnel into daylight. A slowing in rod-mediated dark adaptation is one of the key early indicators of macular degeneration and has been used as an endpoint in clinical trials to try to delay progression of macular degeneration.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome can also be an unusual symptom of macular degeneration and cause visual hallucinations that can be highly disconcerting for some patients. Although usually pleasant in nature and featuring flowers, animals, or faces – they may still cause emotional distress and anxiety among those with macular degeneration.

If you notice changes to your vision, make an appointment immediately with an eye doctor for a dilated exam. Macular degeneration in its early stages may have no discernible symptoms and will only become detectable through this special test; similarly, characteristic yellow deposits known as drusen can only be observed with this specific procedure.

If your doctor suspects early or intermediate AMD, they may suggest nutritional supplements to slow its progress. Such recommendations include taking high doses of vitamins C and E as well as zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin supplements. It’s also essential that smoking be stopped altogether as studies have linked an increased risk of macular degeneration with being overweight.