Those with macular degeneration often find it helpful to get treated as soon as possible since this condition can worsen over time. Treatment may not cure the condition, but it can help prevent vision loss. Therefore, if you have any of the symptoms of macular degeneration described below, it is time to see an eye doctor.
Symptoms of Dry Macular Degeneration
Though this condition can come on rather quickly, dry macular degeneration often occurs over time. This is the form that most people get, and one of the first symptoms is a small blur or blind spot in the middle in the central vision. This dark spot usually gets larger as the condition progresses and vision is gradually lost. It may become hard to recognize people, read, or see clearly when a room suddenly gets even slightly dark.
In fact, if you notice that it is hard to see in dim light, but your vision improves temporarily in bright light, you likely have this form of the condition. Any of these symptoms of macular degeneration should signal the need to see a doctor, as you may have generally hazy vision and even start seeing things that are not there as the condition gets worse.
Symptoms of Wet Macular Degeneration
This form of the disorder has some symptoms in common with the dry type, such as a blurry spot in the center of the field of vision, and hallucinations as it worsens. However, one of the main symptoms of macular degeneration that occurs with the wet form only is the distortion of straight objects. For example, straight lines may appear wavy, and objects might look further away or closer than they really are due to the decreased ability to differentiate between distances.
This type of condition tends to worsen fast, often resulting in the inability to distinguish between colors, or see details at all. If you have any of these common symptoms of macular degeneration, you may have the wet form of this condition. Since it advances quickly, you are advised to see an eye doctor as soon as possible.