Symptoms of macular degeneration can develop gradually as the center of the retina deteriorates. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss and affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As the macula breaks down, it can lead to a range of visual changes that impact everyday activities. Because the condition progresses in stages, the symptoms of macular degeneration can vary depending on severity. Here’s how those symptoms typically appear at each stage:
Symptoms of Early Macular Degeneration
Early macular degeneration usually has no symptoms or noticeable vision loss. Your eye doctor will be the first to notice something wrong by examining your retina and macula. If you have early macular degeneration, your eye doctor will see what are called drusen. Drusen are yellowish spots that form on the macula. The spots are caused by tissue deterioration.
If symptoms are noticed during this early stage, they include:
- Shadows in central vision
- Fuzzy or distorted vision
- Distortion of straight lines
- An Amsler grid appears to have wavy or blurred lines.
- There may be dark areas in the center of the grid.
Symptoms of Intermediate Macular Degeneration
Some people with macular degeneration will begin to notice symptoms in this stage:
- Vision may become blurry
- There can also be vision loss
- Drusen become larger, and the retina begins to change color
Like early macular degeneration, your eye doctor will likely be the first one to detect a problem. Symptoms will be similar to those of early macular degeneration, but slightly more severe.
Symptoms of Late Macular Degeneration
Most people with macular degeneration notice symptoms at this stage. Vision loss is noticeable, and there are many other signs. Here are the symptoms of late-stage macular degeneration:
- Large drusen
- Vision loss
- Swelling of the macula
- Central vision blind spots
- Reduced seeing distance, especially for reading
- Needing more or brighter light to see
- Trouble seeing when moving from a bright to a dark room
- Trouble recognizing faces or objects
- Objects appear smaller or larger than usual
- Loss of ability to distinguish colors
- Trouble detecting changes in small details, such as texture. For example, you may not be able to tell the difference between a rough or smooth stone.
- Depth perception changes leading to falls, trips, bumps, or other injuries
- If vision loss is severe, visual hallucinations
- Increased sensitivity to glare and sunlight, especially when watching TV or driving.
- Trouble following straight lines while walking, driving, or doing other activities like sewing or mowing the yard
These are the symptoms of macular degeneration. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or others, contact an eye doctor right away to schedule an exam at Southwestern Eye Center. Even if you don’t have symptoms, make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam so an eye care professional can look for signs of eye disease.