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Is pigment change a finding of macular degeneration? (self.Blind)
submitted by MyLegsTheyreDisabled
I (25 y/o female) had an eye appointment a couple weeks ago where the optometrist noticed a distinct change in my macula pigment from last year's exam and noted that it's a "finding of macular degeneration". He never said how serious it was or what exactly it was, so I couldn't ask him any questions during the exam, but the only vision thing I've noticed is that words are fuzzy even with my [new] glasses on.
I've since booked another appointment at a better eye clinic with specialists, but I am needing to know if having a pigment change definitely means I have macular degeneration, or how likely is it that I will develop it? I am a programmer that works with computers every day and I am supposed to let my manager know of any eye changes, so I'm not sure if I should wait or not.
I've since booked another appointment at a better eye clinic with specialists, but I am needing to know if having a pigment change definitely means I have macular degeneration, or how likely is it that I will develop it? I am a programmer that works with computers every day and I am supposed to let my manager know of any eye changes, so I'm not sure if I should wait or not.
KillerLag 2 points 5y ago
http://www.eyepromise.com/doctors/about/macular-pigment/
Reduced amounts of pigment can be a sign of macular degeneration. Most macular degeneration is related to age and UV damage, although there is a form that comes up younger (Stargardts'). It isn't a guarantee of vision loss, though. Most of the vision loss from macular degeneration comes from drusden build up.
Macular degeneration generally causes central vision loss, so your central vision would be blurry, possibly have dark spots, and straight lines may appear wavy.
Two things you can do right away. One is to print out an Amsler grid (https://www.aao.org/image.axd?id=4a0d828b-c698-47cf-9455-e265332e7968&t=635998033438800000). Here is one you can use. You post it somewhere and look at it once a day, at roughly the same distance. You look at the center, and note what areas the lines are distorted, wavy or otherwise abnormal. Some people also take a marker to mark those areas, and to track if they get larger.
Another (possible) thing you can do is start taking ocular vitamins. They are over the counter and they can be helpful. Definitely talk to your doctor to find out if that is a good course of action, though.
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/vision-supplements
Hope that helps!
Reduced amounts of pigment can be a sign of macular degeneration. Most macular degeneration is related to age and UV damage, although there is a form that comes up younger (Stargardts'). It isn't a guarantee of vision loss, though. Most of the vision loss from macular degeneration comes from drusden build up.
Macular degeneration generally causes central vision loss, so your central vision would be blurry, possibly have dark spots, and straight lines may appear wavy.
Two things you can do right away. One is to print out an Amsler grid (https://www.aao.org/image.axd?id=4a0d828b-c698-47cf-9455-e265332e7968&t=635998033438800000). Here is one you can use. You post it somewhere and look at it once a day, at roughly the same distance. You look at the center, and note what areas the lines are distorted, wavy or otherwise abnormal. Some people also take a marker to mark those areas, and to track if they get larger.
Another (possible) thing you can do is start taking ocular vitamins. They are over the counter and they can be helpful. Definitely talk to your doctor to find out if that is a good course of action, though.
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/vision-supplements
Hope that helps!
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