Your central vision helps you see details like reading small print, recognizing faces, or driving safely. Macular degeneration affects this part of your sight, and it comes in two forms: wet and dry.
The primary difference is that dry macular degeneration involves a slow deterioration of cells, while wet macular degeneration is characterized by abrupt leakage from abnormal blood vessels. Knowing the difference can help you catch early signs and understand why regular eye exams matter. This knowledge empowers you to take proactive steps for your long-term vision health.
Your Central Vision & The Macula
What The Macula Does
The macula is a small area in the centre of your retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It is responsible for your sharpest, most detailed central vision. You rely on your macula for tasks that require clear sight, such as reading documents or seeing facial expressions clearly.
How Macular Degeneration Affects Sight
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, causes damage to the macula. AMD causes a loss of central vision, but your side vision usually stays normal. The change can make detailed tasks more challenging over time.
Dry Macular Degeneration: The More Common Form
What Happens in Dry AMD
Dry macular degeneration is the most common type. It happens when the light-sensitive cells in your macula slowly break down over time. During an eye exam, we see small yellow deposits called drusen under the retina, which are a common early sign.
The progression of dry AMD is typically slow, occurring over many years. Many people do not notice changes in the early stages. Because it happens so gradually, a routine eye exam is one of the best ways to spot it early
Symptoms of Dry AMD
As dry AMD advances, you might notice subtle changes to your central vision. These signs can include:
- Blur or hazy spot in your central vision
- Difficulty with reading or other close-up tasks
- A need for brighter light when reading
- Colours that appear less vibrant or washed out
Wet Macular Degeneration: The Less Common Form
The Cause of Wet AMD
Wet macular degeneration is less common but is generally more serious. It develops when new, abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. These tiny vessels are fragile, and they can leak blood or fluid into the macula.
This leakage damages the macular cells and can cause scarring. The damage from wet AMD often leads to more rapid and noticeable vision loss than the dry form. Wet AMD is considered a more advanced stage of the condition.
Vision Changes from Wet AMD
The onset of wet AMD symptoms can be more sudden. Key signs to be aware of include:
- Straight lines—such as doorframes or sentences on a page—appearing wavy or distorted
- A dark or empty area appearing in the centre of your vision
- An abrupt decline in the sharpness of your sight
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter for Your Vision Health
Early & Accurate Detection
A comprehensive eye examination is the most effective way to detect macular degeneration in its early stages. We use advanced imaging technology to get a detailed view of your retina and macula. This allows your optometrist to identify signs such as drusen or leaking blood vessels before they significantly affect your vision.
Eye exams aren’t just for updating your prescription—they help track how your eyes are doing over time. By setting a baseline now, your optometrist can spot even the smallest changes later.
Monitor Your Long-Term Vision Health
Consistent eye care goes beyond a prescription for glasses. It is about building a long-term plan to protect your sight. Regular check-ups allow us to track the health of your macula over time and offer guidance tailored to your needs.
When to See Your Optometrist
Notice Changes in Your Vision
If you start noticing new changes in your central vision, don’t wait to get them checked. Straight lines that look wavy, extra blur when you read, or new dark spots in your sight are all signs to book an exam. Getting your eyes assessed early can make a big difference in protecting your long-term vision.
Book Your Eye Health Exam
Staying proactive with your eye care is the best way to keep your vision strong. Whether it’s time for your next check-up or you’ve spotted something new, our team at Downtown Vision Care is here to help.
Book your eye exam today to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
