Macular Degeneration Symptoms?

by Minerva
(United States)

I receive your e-letter but I have a concern.


I see a very small black dot in my left eye when I look straight up.

I have yearly eye exams and last year I told by ophthalmologist about my concerns for MD as my mom lost her vision to it already.

She was a heavy smoker. I don't smoke at all but I'm afraid of it.

The eye doctor said everything is OK but I'm still concerned. Should I see an specialist? Thanks

REPLY

Dear Minerva,

While there is an association of smoking with wet macular degeneration, not smoking doesn't necessarily protect you.

I would recommend that you see a retina specialist if you are concerned about this "spot." I would recommend a fluorescein angiogram be performed to ensure that your retina is "normal."

All the best for the new year!

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Dr. Wong is a Retina Specialist in Fairfax Virginia

Retina Specialist
Fairfax Virginia

Dry Macular Degeneration Symptoms

by Jack

Leslie

I have several questions about Macular Degeneration.

I was diagnosed with early stage Dry Macular Degeneration in May 2007 (in my right eye).

I have experienced distortion periodically in that eye since then. The distortion may last for several weeks and then clear up and remain distortion free for months.

My questions...

What causes the distortion? Also, why does the distortion come and go? Is that normal?

I am unable to determine any one specific factor causing the distortion. However, I do know stress certainly appears to contribute to
the problem.

Each episode occurs during a highly stressful period. Other than reducing stress (if that's a factor), is there anything I can do personally to prevent such episodes of distortion? I am currently experiencing distortion and have been for about two months now. This is the longest period of time I've had to deal with it, and it can really be unnerving.

Thanks in advance for your help and insight on this issue.

Answer by Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.

The distortion in Dry Macular Degeneration is typically the result of Drusen.

Drusen is the collection of waste that gets deposited on the retina that is normally completely reabsorbed in a healthy eye.

This waste is the natural byproduct of cellular activity in the retina. It is the collection of waste on the retina that causes vision loss overtime in Dry Macular Degeneration.

It is possible to reduce eye distortion and support the body's natural process of eliminating waste in the retina through diet, exercise and specific nutrient supplementation.

Taurine is an essential nutrient to help eliminate waste. We recommend 750mg -1,000 mg per day.

Other critical nutrients to support retinal health and vision include lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, grapeseed extract, bilberry, gingko biloba, lycopene, betacarotene, Vitamsin C & E, zinc, copper and selenium.

Many of these nutrients also can help significantly reduce the likelihood of
dry macular degeneration turning to wet macular degeneration.

Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.

Natural Eye Care

Nightime Glare and Macular Degeneration

by Shirley
(New Jersey)

Hi Leslie,

Are the two connected or are the glare and halos while driving at night signs of beginning cataracts?

REPLY

Hi Shirley,

Thanks for your question. macular degeneration symptoms include increased sensitivity to glare. Symptoms of cataracts have some similarities to AMD - such as glare sensitivity and loss of color sensitivity. When was your last eye exam?

You may want to see your eye doctor for a good general eye exam and let him/her know about your symptoms and concerns.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Early Symptoms of CNV

by Dr. Virag Pradhan
(India)

I would like to know as to the early symptoms of Occult CNV. Thanks.

REPLY

Dear Dr. Pradhan,

Occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the most common type of wet macular degeneration. It is the result of a slower leak compared to classic CNV.

Because of the gradual leak, less fluid escapes and the macula does not become as elevated and uneven. Therefore there is typically a slower loss of vision.

As the newly formed blood vessels leak, fluid builds up under the macula and raises it up from its normal position.

This is what causes the early symptom of wet macular degeneration - straight lines appear wavy. Whether it is a fence post or a flag pole - normally straight objects appear distorted.

For more information on occult CNV click here:

Occult CNV

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Symptoms

by Abraham
(United States)

Can wet macular degeneration cause variable vision, vision that's better in the morning and much worse in the evening?

Vision that improves for one or two minutes after one opens ones eyes after keeping one eye closed for five minutes.

REPLY

Dear Abraham,

Macular degeneration usually causes persistent changes in the vision, that is, non-variable.

I usually advise my macular degeneration patients to call if they notice decreased vision and/or distortion that is non-fluctuating and lasts more than a day.

I would advise you to get an examination as your symptoms do not sound normal.

Best of luck.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Macular Degeneration Symptom - Eye Pain?

by Mark
(Canada)

I am diagnosed with macular degeneration.

I have continuous pain in the back of the eyes.

Is there any known treatment for this condition?

Reply

Dear Mark,

I have never associated macular degeneration with pain. I'd suggest you tell your doctors about this and not assume it is related to your eyes.

Best of luck,

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Dr. Wong is a Retina Specialist in Fairfax Virginia

Retina Specialist
Fairfax Virginia

Macular Degeneration in One Eye?

Using the Amsler Grid online I find that the lines appear wavy when I cover my left eye, but not when I cover the right one.

Could this indicate macular degeneration, or does that always come in both eyes together?

Reply

What a great question. Yes, you can have macular degeneration in just one eye. You can have different types of macular degeneration in your eyes as well - meaning one eye could have dry age related macular degeneration and the other one wet AMD.

Have you called your eye specialist? It is important that you get in quickly to have your eyes examined. There are also other eye conditions, besides AMD, that may cause the straight lines to appear wavy.

To learn more about the prognosis of age related macular degeneration click here:

Macular Degeneration Prognosis

To learn more about other macular degeneration symptoms click here:

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN