It is important for everyone to take good care of their eyes. There are a variety of eye diseases that someone might contract. All of these have the potential to harm someone's vision. One of the problems that people might experience is called macular degeneration. This is a serious disease that can quickly lead to severe vision impairment if not addressed quickly. For this reason, it is important for everyone to see our eye doctor regularly. The helpful team from South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, is here to help everyone better understand this eye condition.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a serious eye condition that can cause significant visual impairment. This eye condition is a problem with a specific part of the retina called the macula. The macula is located in the center of the retina and plays an important role in vision. When someone has developed macular degeneration, they lose the ability to see things in the center of their visual field. Chiefly, this impacts someone's ability to see fine details. For example, an individual would not be able to see any fine details at all, regardless of whether that item is in their near visual field or far away. On the other hand, their peripheral vision is typically minimally affected if at all. If someone with macular degeneration were to look at a clock, they might be able to see the numbers on the clock but not the hands.
Who Is At Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration?
There are a number of risk factors that place someone at risk of developing this serious eye condition. One of the main risk factors is age. The older someone is, the more likely they are to develop this condition. Another important risk factor is weight. Those who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with this eye condition. In addition, those who smoke are also more likely to be diagnosed with macular degeneration. Finally, genetics also play a role. Those who have family members who have been diagnosed with this condition are more likely to develop it themselves.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
It is important for everyone to see our eye doctor regularly so that conditions such as macular degeneration can be diagnosed as quickly as possible. Therefore, anyone who has questions or concerns about their visual health should call South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, at (206) 431-8770 today to make an appointment. Our optometry provides a wide range of eyecare services to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality eye care. When you are searching for an optometrist near me for an eye exam or treatment, we are ready to assist!
