Gailey Eye Clinic

The leading cause of central vision loss in the United States today is macular degeneration. Primarily affecting people over the age of 50, macular degeneration is an age-related disease that causes blurring of your central vision, impairing your ability to do things that require sharp, central vision like driving, reading, or even recognizing faces. It does not affect peripheral vision.

As you age, the cells in the macula will start to thin; this is called “dry macular degeneration.” Dry macular degeneration eventually leads to a cellular breakdown that deposits waste in the eye, damaging the macula. In some, much rarer instances, weak, easily breakable blood vessels can grow in the back of the eye.

These blood vessels can easily break, causing blood to leak into the eye and blurring central vision; this is called “wet macular degeneration.” Depending on the cause, symptoms can be slow and gradual, or quick and severe. No matter the cause, a regular eye examination at Gailey Eye Clinic can detect macular degeneration before your vision is damaged.

Dry macular degeneration cannot be cured, but options such as contact lenses and glasses can help you cope with vision impairment. Wet macular degeneration can be treated with laser surgery. The eye doctors at Gailey Eye Clinic will best be able to determine what options are suitable for you.

If you believe you may be exhibiting signs of, or want to know more about, macular degeneration and live in Central Illinois, please contact Gailey Eye Clinic to schedule an eye exam for detection and treatment.