Macular degeneration in Burleson TX is an eye disease primarily associated with aging. Most people who develop macular degeneration are at least 50 years old. The condition affects central vision, which means that it is more challenging to see objects directly in front of you. Macular degeneration can affect one or both eyes.

The term macular degeneration takes its name from the macula of your eyes. The macula is the central part of each retina. Your retina sits at the back of your eyeball and is responsible for providing clear central vision. People who have this condition do not lose all their vision, since their peripheral vision is usually normal. Peripheral vision is the ability to see people or objects to the left and right of you.

Risk Factors Associated with Macular Degeneration

Below are several non-age-related factors that could increase your risk of an optician at Vision Plaza diagnosing you with macular degeneration.

• Body mass index that puts you in the overweight or obese category
• Caucasian race
• Consuming a diet high in saturated fat
• Current or previous infection
• Diabetes
• Family history of the condition
• Head injury
• High blood pressure
• Smoking

While you obviously cannot control your age, race, or family history of the disease, we encourage you to make any necessary lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration.

Schedule an Eye Exam if You Notice These Symptoms

Most people do not notice any changes to their vision in the early stages of macular degeneration. Blurry vision is usually the first indication that anything is wrong, and this does not happen until the middle stage. Central vision fails completely in the late stage of this disease.

We urge you to take any vision changes seriously. Please reach out to request an appointment at Vision Plaza if you experience one or more of the symptoms listed below.

• Blurry vision
• Changes in the way you see colors
• Dark or blank spots in your field of vision
• Inability to see clearly in low light
• Low vision
• Straight lines appear curvy or wavy

While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, prompt treatment can slow its progression. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the various treatment options for macular degeneration in Burleson TX.

One of the most important reasons to get eye and vision exams in Burleson, TX, routinely is to watch for signs of eye diseases that could be emerging. One of the most common eye conditions that can affect vision is Macular degeneration. However, this condition is often assumed to only be associated with older or senior adults. In reality, signs of macular degeneration can show up in younger patients, and early diagnosis is key to maintaining vision for the long term.

Recognizing Macular Degeneration in Young Adults
The signs and symptoms of Macular degeneration look much like the presentations in older adults. However, younger individuals are more likely to overlook their symptoms or discount Macular degeneration as a probable cause for the issues they are experiencing. A few signs of Macular degeneration, regardless of your age, include:

Blurred or distorted central vision
Difficulty seeing details, such as faces or words
Increased sensitivity to glare
Decreased ability to adapt to low-light conditions
Loss of color perception
Visual hallucinations or distortions
Uncovering Influences on Youthful Macular Health
In younger adults, macular degeneration can be caused by genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions like Stargardt disease, trauma to the eye, or environmental factors such as excessive exposure to UV light or smoking. While less common in this age group, these factors can still contribute to the development of macular degeneration.

Strategies to Safeguard Vision Against Premature Degeneration
While macular degeneration as a young adult may be uncommon, it is not impossible. However, there are several things you can do to safeguard your vision and prevent furthering the condition, including:

Detect degeneration early with regular eye exams.
Support eye health with antioxidants and vitamins and a balanced diet.
Wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays.
Reduce eye strain with breaks during prolonged periods of screen time.
Prevent eye fatigue with good lighting.
Strengthen muscles and improve focus by exercising your eyes.
Lower the risk of eye diseases and Macular damage by quitting smoking.
Control diabetes and hypertension to negate ill effects on your eyes.
Discuss Macular degeneration Concerns with an Eye Doctor in Burleson
If you are afraid you may have a risk of macular degeneration, it is never too early to visit aBurleson, TX, eye doctorfor advice. Reach out to the team at Vision Plaza to schedule a consultation and thorough eye exam today.