Macular Degeneration Overview From Our Kissimmee Eye Doctor

The idea of losing one's eyesight is a frightening one. Even people who are mildly or moderately nearsighted often fumble for their glasses first thing in the morning because they cannot bear going through any part of the day without seeing as much of it as possible. But protecting one's vision goes beyond wearing your glasses or contact lenses, and seeing an eye doctor in Kissimmee is not something that should be forsaken just because you have been blessed with good vision. There are various eye conditions that can plague almost anyone who is caught not paying attention. One of those conditions is macular degeneration.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration involves the breakdown of the central part of the retina, also known as the macula. The retina is located at the back of the eye and is the communication center of the eye that picks up light signals from the brain which translates into seeing visual color or light. A person with macular degeneration loses their central vision which expands further and further into their peripheral vision.

Macular degeneration is the most common reason why persons over 60 have a significant loss of vision or blindness. Because it targets older people most often it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration or AMD. Once AMD claims a person's vision, the damage is permanent. Fortunately, there are ways for your Kissimmee eye doctor to tell if you are prone to the disorder long before any symptoms are noticed, and they can guide you to take the right steps to avoid or limit any potential damage.

Preventing Macular Degeneration With the Help of Your Kissimmee Eye Doctor

Severe vision loss is not something that is inevitable for all Americans over 60, and aging is not the only factor that puts you at risk for AMD. For example, lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, and not getting enough antioxidants, including vitamin C, can also play a role. Those with high blood pressure may also be at an increased risk.  The good news is that research suggests that addressing the risk, including quitting smoking can lower a person's risk of AMD.

The other way to prevent AMD is to get regular eye check-ups from an eye doctor in Kissimmee, especially if you are over 40. A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking how clearly you see letters and symbols at different distances. It checks overall eye health and can identify early signs of diseases like AMD when you still have the power to do something about them.

Call Us Today To Make An Appointment!

At Eye Care Specialists of Florida in Kissimmee, our thorough exams are able to detect signs of AMD and work with you to preserve as much of your eyesight as possible. If it's been a while since you've been to see the eye doctor, we invite you to contact us at 407-483-0328 to schedule an appointment.