Symptoms of Macular Degeneration: Are You Getting Old?

Macular degeneration is one of those signs that tells you that you just might be aging. Like grey hair, the presence of symptoms of this eye condition can be a wakeup call that you’re making your way over the hill. Macular degeneration is one major condition that leads to the need for reading glasses. There are symptoms that can surface that will indicate that macular degeneration is present:
 

·       Blurred vision – with macular degeneration blurred vision can occur with looking at things close up or at a distance. This is a symptom that can be present in one eye but not the other. It’s important that these symptoms are recognized and not ignored even if just one eye is affected to ensure an optometrist can take a look and ensure there’s no other issue

·       Scotomas – blind spots in the eyes can surface with macular degeneration

·       Metamorphophsia – objects in the line of vision seem to be a different shape or colour in each of the eyes and straight lines can appear bent

·       Micropsia – objects may appear smaller than they actually are due to swelling of the macula, common with macular degeneration
 

These symptoms are common with macular degeneration and aging, but it’s never wise to make any assumptions as they can also indicate eye issues that need to be treated with more than a funky and stylish pair of reading glasses!

Learn more about macular degeneration from Body and Health Canada.