In response to recent COVID-19 concerns, we are wanting to assure our patients that we are taking the recommended precautions provided by the CDC. Please use the provided link for more information about our updated procedures. Read More

Close
×

Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Yancey Eye Center

303 Harris Industrial Blvd. Suite 7

Vidalia, GA 30474 US

912-537-4400

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Patient Info
    • Online Forms
    • Payment Options
  • Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Hard to Fit Contacts
    • Computer Vision
    • Sunglasses
    • Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease
  • Eyeglasses
    • Frame Selection
    • Sunglasses
  • Contacts
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrist
    • Meet the Staff
  • Technology
  • Contact Us
  • Vision Plan
  • Community Content
    • Eyeglasses
    • Basic Visual Skills
    • All About Eyes
    • Protecting Your Eyes
    • Visual Rehabilitation
    • Pediatric Vision Issues
    • Glasses
    • Contact Lenses
    • Common Eye Conditions
      • Vision Impairment
      • Eye Lids
      • Age-Related
      • Injury & Irritation
      • Changes in Appearance
      • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Problems
    • Eye Symptoms
    • Eye Diseases
    • A Child's Vision
    • What is Vision Therapy
    • Vision Therapy Programs
    • We Can Help With
      • Cataracts
      • Corneal Disorders
        • Disorders
      • Glaucoma
      • Refractive Disorders
      • Adult Strabismus
      • Retinal Disorders
    • Newsletters
      • Glasses & Frames
      • Contacts
      • Tips for Healthy Eyes
      • Conditions That Affect Vision
      • Kid's Vision
      • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
      • Medical Perspectives
  • COVID-19 Information & Guidelines
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletters >
  • Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

  • Created in Newsletters

Older woman struggling to see

Are You Showing Signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye condition common in older Americans, slowly damages your central and color vision. Signs and symptoms of the condition can be subtle at first and may not seem particularly alarming. Fortunately, your optometrist can spot changes in your eyes before you notice any vision problems.

What Happens if You Have AMD

AMD affects the macula, the central part of your retina. The retina, a layer of cells at the back of your eye, contains photoreceptor cells called rods and cones that transform light rays into electrical impulses. Once the impulses reach the brain, they're converted into recognizable images.

Cones, located in the center part of your field of vision, help you see colors and make good central vision possible. If AMD damages the cones, you may notice changes in the way you see the world. Two forms of AMD can cause vision problems. They include:

  • Dry AMD. A thinning macula and drusen are responsible for vision changes if you have the dry form of AMD. Drusen are white or yellow protein deposits that collect under the retina.
  • Wet AMD. Leaky blood vessels obstruct your central vision if you have the wet type of AMD. The vessels may eventually scar the macula.

Do Any of These Symptoms Sound Familiar?

AMD may not cause any noticeable symptoms at first. As the condition worsens, you may experience:

  • Blurry Central Vision. You may notice that your central vision is blurry, while your peripheral (side) vision is clear.
  • Blind Spots. Blind spots in your central vision might make it difficult to read, sew, do close work, recognize friends and family, or drive.
  • Wavy Lines. As cells in your macula deteriorate, straight lines may now appear wavy.
  • Dull Colors. Colors may look dull, or it may be difficult to tell the difference between subtle shades of colors or textures, according to Bright Focus Foundation.
  • Clumsiness. What at first glance appears to be clumsiness may actually be related to your eyesight. Poor depth perception and difficulty distinguishing textures can make it easy to miss a step or fail to see obstacles in front of you.
  • Trouble Seeing in Low Light. Everything may be darker than usual, no matter what the time of day. You may need more light to read and may notice that it takes longer for your eyes to adjust when going from a bright room to a dark one.
  • Glare. Increased glare may make it even harder to see clearly.

AMD Treatment Options

Although there isn't a medication or procedure to treat the dry form of AMD at this time, you can do a few things that may help you protect your eye health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that taking a combination of nutritional supplements may slow the progression of dry AMD in some cases. The recommended supplements include:

  • Copper (2 mg)
  • Zinc (80 mg)
  • Zeaxanthin (2 mg)
  • Vitamin E (400 IU)
  • Vitamin C (500 mg)
  • Lutein (10 mg)

Improving your diet, getting more exercise, and quitting smoking may also be helpful.

If you have the wet form of AMD, your optometrist may recommend eye injections that stop unhealthy blood vessels from developing in the macula. Laser therapy, another treatment option, seals leaky vessels.

Whether you have AMD symptoms or it's time for your annual eye examination, we're here to help you care for your eyes. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

National Eye Institute: Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 8/17/20

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Macular Degeneration?, 2/28/20

Bright Focus Foundation: Macular Degeneration: Signs & Symptoms

Foundation Fighting Blindness: What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Age-Related
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

New patients receive 15% OFF first visit.

Excludes all vision and insurance plans. Sign-up using the form or call us at (912) 537-4400 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients/ learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Yancey Eye Center is the best at what they do and make you feel right at home."
    John Doe Vidalia, GA
  • "Dr. Yancey and staff deliver the highest level of professionalism and customer care I have ever seen.We are very fortunate to have such a excellent center for our eye health care needs. Thank you and continue the great work!"
    Philip Sassos

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • Uveitis Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

    Do you know how uveitis could affect your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • How Nutrition Can Be Beneficial to Your Vision

    Want to protect your vision? Improving your nutrition may help. ...

    Read More
  • How Your Tears Work and Their Importance for Vision

    Do you know how your tears help keep your eyes healthy? ...

    Read More
  • Good Eye Health Is Essential for Athletes

    Do you know how eye health affects your sports ability? ...

    Read More
  • Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

    Do you know how age-related macular degeneration can affect your vision? ...

    Read More
  • How to Keep Your Eyes Safe From Germs

    Want to avoid colds and other viruses? Taking a few steps to protect your eyes can help. ...

    Read More
  • How Sleep Can Affect Your Vision

    Do you have trouble sleeping? Sleep problems may increase your risk of eye diseases and conditions. ...

    Read More
  • The Effects of Smoking on Your Eye Health

    Do you know how smoking can harm your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Getting Your Child Accustomed to New Glasses

    Is your child struggling to adjust to new glasses? Try a few of these tips. ...

    Read More
  • Daily Habits That May Be Harming Your Eye Health

    Could any of these habits be hurting your eyes? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map