What are the Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

By Marlene Diaz | August 24, 2017 |

More than 2 million people throughout the United States are currently living with an eye condition known as macular degeneration, or AMD. This condition is the leading cause of loss of vision throughout the United States and is most common among aging adults over the age of 64.

As a family caregiver it is important that you are not only aware of the risk factors associated with AMD, including age, but also that you are able to detect the potential signs and symptoms of the condition so that you can identify when your parent might be struggling with this issue and prepare your care routine to manage it more effectively.

There are two different forms of AMD, wet and dry, and they have separate symptoms.

Symptoms of dry macular degeneration, which frequently occurs in both eyes, include:

Distortions in vision, particularly the illusion that straight lines are actually bent
Reduced vision in the central portion of the eye, which can occur in either one or both eyes
Needing brighter light to see to read or do other focused, small work
Challenges adapting to dim or low lights
Blurriness of printed text
Diminished clarity or brightness of colors
Increased challenges recognizing faces

Symptoms of wet macular degeneration include:

Visual distortions
Reduction of central vision and sharpness of central vision
Diminished brightness or clarity of colors
Blind spot in the field of vision
Clearly defined blurry spot in the field of vision
A sense of haziness in vision
Abrupt symptoms or symptoms that worsen very quickly

Because macular degeneration does not impact peripheral vision, it very rarely results in full blindness. The negative impact on central vision, however, can dramatically diminish function, independence, and quality of life if not handled properly.

If you notice that your parent seems to be having new difficulty noticing details, telling the difference between colors, or seeing what is directly in front of them, do not hesitate to get in touch with their eye doctor so that they can get a proper examination and determine if they are dealing with the early stages of AMD. This can help them to get on the course of treatment or management that is right for them.

Starting senior home care services for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be there for your elderly family member on a customized schedule that is right for their needs.

This means that they can receive the right care, support, and assistance while also keeping you at the forefront of their care. The highly personalized services of a senior home care services provider are specifically designed to address your elderly parent’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations in such a way that they are able to stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy, and pursue a lifestyle that is as active, independent, and fulfilling as possible as they age in place.

This can include anything from helping your parent to make good lifestyle choices to providing safe and reliable transportation and physical support and assistance to offering reminders to help them remain compliant with their medications and treatments.

Sources: https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-macular-degeneration/home/ovc-20164874
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wet-macular-degeneration/home/ovc-20164274
https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/amd

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Gig Harbor WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

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Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.