Listing macular degeneration symptoms. Many older adults find that over time their central vision begins to diminish. This can be due to a medical condition known as macular degeneration. Central vision is used for tasks where detail vision is needed, such as reading or playing cards. If you are over fifty years old, you will want to become familiar with macular degeneration symptoms, so that you can take steps to preserve your remaining vision.

Elderly adults, when trying to read, might notice their central vision is starting to diminish. If macular degeneration is the cause, it can be due to the macula, located in the center of the retina, having become weakened in some way. This can be caused by a thinning of the cells comprising the macula, or bleeding caused by blood vessels bursting and leaking beneath the macula, or simply a gradual wearing away or deterioration of the macula itself. Although the central vision can be impaired, macular degeneration does not alter a patient's peripheral vision, so there is still some vision left in the eye.

Some of the macular degeneration symptoms a patient might notice is seeing blurry letters when he or she is trying to read. This type of vision loss can happen slowly or quickly depending on the type of macular degeneration you have. You could also have portions of your vision missing, or see shadows when reading, which are typical macular degeneration symptoms as well.

Other macular degeneration symptoms can reveal that straight lines appear wavy, or parts of the lines are missing from your vision entirely. Retinal specialists will use a test called the Amsler Grid Test to determine if you can see straight lines on a grid of horizontal and vertical lines, or if they appear wavy, and this can help determine a correct diagnosis.

Low vision in terms of color can also be one of the macular degeneration symptoms for which your doctor will look. The doctor will administer color tests to see if you can differentiate between different dark and dark tones, as well as a range of light and light shades. The cone cells in the retina are the ones that allow people to see color, so these tests can help the doctor determine if the cones are impaired.

Because low vision can affect your ability to see well enough to drive, doctors might also provide acuity tests. This type of test shows how well you can see at different vision lengths and under different light, and central vision loss becomes apparent quickly.

Although a loss of central vision cannot usually be restored, there are some hopeful new treatments that may provide relief for those with macular degeneration symptoms. There are also special eye glasses that can help accentuate your remaining vision, allowing you greater freedom to enjoy your favorite daily activities.