As we grow older, our vision may naturally begin to decline. Age related macular degeneration, also known as ARMD and wet age-related macular degeneration, is an eye disorder that is chronic in nature. Wet AMD causes blind spots and blurred vision in a person’s field of vision and is most often brought on by abnormal blood vessels. These blood vessels leak blood or fluid into the section of the retina known as the macula, which is responsible for central vision and the eye’s ability to see fine details.

ARMD on the other hand, occurs when macula breaks down. The cause is not known but by and large this is a condition that affects people as they get older. Symptoms typically begin at age 50- to 60-years old, and that percentage increases further during the 70s and 80s. ARMD is most often detected during a routine ocular examination prior to these warning signs:

1. Blurred vision
Symptoms often begin slowly as vision will blow over a period of time. This normally is recognizable when a person tries to focus on close up items. People tend to state they need more light in order to read or are unable to make out the writing when looking at a bottle of medicine. Straight lines may also appear wavy or distorted and the symptoms often get worse as time goes on.

2. Dark areas in central vision
Noticing dark spots or blurred areas in the center of a person’s vision are classic signs that age related macular degeneration is setting in. If sections of your focal area or shadowy this is also another potential symptom. A wiggled out area in a person’s vision is another symptom of this condition that should be reported to a doctor if it is recurring.

3. Other symptoms
Wet macular degeneration vision symptoms often appear suddenly and become worse rapidly. Common symptoms may include:

• Distortions in vision such as straight lines appearing to be bent;
• A reduction in central vision in both or at least one eye;
• Decreased brightness or intensity of colors
• A well-defined blind or blurry spot in the field of vision;
• An overall, general haziness in your vision.

4. Advanced age
If you are over the age of 50 it is a good idea to schedule comprehensive examinations every few years and with increasing frequency as you get older. Eye doctors are on the lookout for the early signs of macular degeneration even before symptoms set in.

The good news is that these conditions are preventable if they are caught early. Therefore, it is important to “keep your eye on” these potential symptoms and to schedule routine eye examinations so that your doctor can treat these potentially devastating conditions before they get worse.