Age-related macular degeneration can be tricky to diagnose early-on if only one eye is affected because there are little to no symptoms in the early stages. AMD doesn’t cause any pain that could raise concerns. In this post, your trusted expert on eye care and contact lenses, NOVA Vision Center, shares the early signs you should look out for that point to age-related macular degeneration.
Early Signs of AMD
One of the first signs of macular degeneration that you’ll notice is that the center of your vision begins to become blurry, both near and far. It will begin to appear fuzzy or shadowed as the condition worsens. You could begin to develop blind spots in your field of vision and have difficulty seeing detailed colors of fine print. In addition, straight lines may begin to look wavy. In more severe cases, all of these could happen rapidly.
Symptoms of AMD
1. Visual Field Defect. The range of vision that a healthy eye can see is known as the “visual field.” As AMD progresses, the visual field may appear smudged, distorted, or lost. This could disrupt daily activities such as desk work driving, or even recognizing faces. See your eye doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
2. Discomfort Due to Changing Light. As AMD progresses, changes in lighting such as headlight flashes, glare and transitioning from a bright room to a darker room may become uncomfortable for you.
3. Need for Brighter Lights. Due to the degradation of your vision, you’ll notice that you’ll need brighter lights for working, reading and other daily tasks.
If you have at least two of these symptoms and are over the age of 40, consider having an eye exam to get a better understanding of your condition.
If you’re looking for a qualified optometrist to serve you, look no further than Nova Vision Center. We take pride in helping patients improve their vision and their lives. Call us at (703) 578-3600 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We serve customers in Arlington and Alexandria, VA.