Macular Degeneration in Haslet, TX
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common eye diseases in the United States. With typically slow progression and hard-to-catch early symptoms, some people live for years with the condition without proper diagnosis. Regular exams with a Haslet eye doctor will ensure you are consistently monitored for signs of AMD. At Joy Family Eye Care, we not only help our patients watch out for AMD, but we also help with AMD management after a diagnosis is made.
A Look at the Risk Factors Associated with Macular Degeneration
AMD affects as many as 11 million people nationwide. The prevalence speaks to the volume of just how many people are at risk and how many risk factors are involved. Even though AMD is most common in adults over the age of 60, a number of other risk factors can mean you are at risk regardless of your age. A few of the other risk factors associated with macular degeneration include:
- Family history
- Race
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Sun exposure
If you have more than one risk for AMD, careful monitoring of your eye health with regular eye exams in Haslet, TX grows increasingly more important. Discuss your risks with the eye doctor so you can create a plan of action to counteract those risks and closely monitor your visual health.
Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
AMD is a slow change in the integrity of your retina, which means most patients don’t recognize the symptoms of the condition immediately. Instead, slight changes in visual perception gradually grow more prevalent with time. Some of the most recognizable symptoms of AMD include:
- Fuzzy or blurry vision
- Distortion with items that should be straight appearing to wave
- Issues with visibility in low light
- Specific points of blurred vision, such as when reading a page
- Sensitivity to sun glare
- Abnormal blood vessel appearances
- Seeing spots
Typical Points of AMD Management in Haslet, TX
While no cure exists for AMD, this does not mean you should not work closely with a Haslet optometrist after diagnosis. You can take several steps that may potentially slow the progression of your condition. The typical plan of action for AMD management includes:
- Making lifestyle changes to slow macular degeneration (e.g. losing weight, blood pressure management, etc.)
- Eating a well-balanced diet or taking supplements specifically for vision health
- Continuous monitoring of the eyes for changes
- Medications and specialty therapies to slow vision changes
Work with a Haslet Eye Doctor If You Are at Risk or Have Been Diagnosed
Any eye disease that threatens your vision can be scary, but AMD management with an early diagnosis gives you the best chance of vision preservation. If you are interested in learning more about AMD or macular degeneration management in Haslet, TX, reach out to us at Joy Family Eye Care.
