What is the prognosis for a patient with macular degeneration?

Answer 1

The vision of patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD) is affected in several different ways depending on which type of AMD they have. The two types are dry and wet AMD. Wet causes the most severe vision loss.

When the photoreceptor cells of the macula, a tiny spot in the center of the retina, start dying or degenerating people will notice that they need more light to see clearly. Images seem blurry and are less sharp and crisp. That's because the macula is responsible for our detailed vision. Colors are less vivid and the world is not as bright as it used to be. As the AMD progresses they may notice a blurry or blank spot in the center of their vision or that straight lines now appear crooked or wavy.

Answer 2

The main symptom of macular degeneration is a change in central vision. The patient may notice blurred central vision or a blank spot on the page when reading. The patient may notice visual distortion such as bending of straight lines.

Macular drusen may be the first symptom of age related macular degeneration. These yellow or off-white deposits develop under the retina and can be detected by your eye specialist during an eye exam. Alone, they do not cause vision loss. However, an increase in the size and number of macular drusen does increase your risk for age related macular degeneration.

Answer 3

The dry form of ARMD is self-limiting and eventually stabilizes. The loss of vision is permanent. The vision of patients with the wet form of ARMD often stabilizes or improves even without treatment, at least temporarily. However.

Answer 4

Macular degeneration causes a deterioration or loss of vision in the center of the visual field. It also causes general blurring of vision and distortion of vision, e.g. straight lines appearing wavy.