Dr. Raymund Garza, Therapeutic Optometrist, Raymund Garza, O.D. – 777 N TEXAS BLVD ALICE, TX 78332

Macular Degeneration

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Differences between Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, a common eye condition, has two major forms: wet and dry. If you have risk factors, you’ll be on the lookout for blurry or disturbed vision and other symptoms. At Alice Family Eye Center, we’re committed to serving Alice, TX, with your complete optometrist needs and diabetic eye care. Here’s how to tell wet and dry macular degeneration apart.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Common among people over 50 years of age, dry macular degeneration has reduced central vision and blurred vision. It may or may not begin in one eye before affecting both eyes, and it can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms include needing a brighter light to read, visual distortion, inability to adapt to low light settings, reduced central vision, a defined blurry or blind spot, and difficulty recognizing faces. It does not cause total blindness on its own, but it may progress into wet macular degeneration. While all macular degeneration conditions begin at this stage, not all of them will progress to the wet stage. 

Getting early treatment may help with vision problems and may help prevent it from going further into the more severe wet stage of vision loss. It will not affect any side vision, so that area will stay intact.

Wet Macular Degeneration

The second type of macular degeneration, wet, is long-lasting. Typically caused by leaky blood vessels, it begins as dry macular degeneration before moving to this stage. Early detection can help with vision loss and may restore some vision. The symptoms of the wet version are the same as the dry macular degeneration signs. While it is best to seek treatment at the dry stage of the condition, you are still able to be treated at this stage by helping blood vessel health and correcting any blood pooling in the eyes. Your optometrist will have more information for you and your specific condition.

Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration

Some of the things that may increase your chances of macular degeneration include:

  • Obesity
  • Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
  • Increased Age
  • Smoking
  • Family Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Disease

At Alice Family Eye Center, we’re your local Alice, TX, eye doctor. We are experts in diabetic eye exam and treatment options and here to serve. Give our office a call today should you need an eye care appointment.

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