Can Macular Degeneration Cause Total Blindness

When to see a doctor.

Can macular degeneration cause total blindness.

Some experience difficulty in recognizing faces. It is very rare for it to involve the peripheral retina and it does not cause total blindness. No one will ever go completely blind from macular degeneration. Macular degeneration doesn t affect side peripheral vision so it rarely causes total blindness.

The risk of vision loss is significant but it s not absolute and can be prevented with prompt and proper treatment. For patients over 55 years of age macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss. It s estimated that more than 10 million americans have this disease. It may cause legal blindness defined as requiring.

You notice changes in your central vision. Macular degeneration affects central vision. These changes may be the first indication of macular degeneration particularly if you re older than age 50. This is a common eye disorder for people over 65.

The macula is the region of the retina most responsive to light stimuli providing precise focus for sharp close vision. Dry amd sufferers may notice a decrease in intensity or brightness of colors. This condition does not affect peripheral vision so it rarely causes total blindness. The exact cause of age related macular degeneration is unknown.

See your eye doctor if. Your ability to see colors and fine detail becomes impaired. Causes and cures for age related macular degeneration still unknown. This is most common among people in their 80s and 90s.