Living with Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is an age-related eye condition that leads to blurred vision and a reduction of central vision sight when blood vessels leak fluid or blood onto the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision). Knowing the symptoms of this condition can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment, and possibly a reduction in vision loss.
Wet Macular Degeneration Symptoms
The symptoms of wet macular degeneration come on quickly and continue to worsen in a short time span. These symptoms may include:
- A reduction in vision in the central line of sight for one or both eyes. Since it doesn’t affect the side vision, total vision loss doesn’t occur, just the central part.
- Vision may become distorted. For example, straight lines may suddenly look curved or wavy.
- Printed words will appear blurry and difficult to focus on and read.
- Low-light vision is greatly affected by an inability to read or do close-up work in low-light situations.
- A loss in the ability to recognize faces
- A well-defined area in the central part of vision is blurry or blind.
Wet Macular Degeneration Risk Factors
While the exact cause of wet macular degeneration isn’t known, and some people get it without having any of these risk factors, these risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Age. The condition is most likely to affect those over 60 years old.
- Having cardiovascular disease. Because cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels, it can increase the risk of developing wet macular degeneration.
- Being a smoker. Smoking or being regularly exposed to cigarette smoke increases a person’s risk of developing the condition.
- Being overweight. Obesity can increase the risk of early macular degeneration developing into wet macular degeneration.
- Having a family history of the disease. This condition has a family history component, increasing the odds of developing it if a close family member has also had it.
- A diet low in essential nutrients for eye health, such as vitamins C and E, and minerals like copper and zinc.
24-Hour Home Care Can Help Your Loved One Continue to Live in Her Home
Because wet macular degeneration affects the central line of vision, it can make certain daily tasks risky or impossible to do once the disease has progressed. This may cause your elderly loved one to have to determine the best course of action for her to continue her independence while protecting herself from any harm that may occur without this key area of her eyesight.
One option for your elderly loved one to continue to live at home may be to have a 24-hour home care team support her daily activities, such as preparing meals and providing transportation. This can be especially helpful if your elderly loved one is an active person who likes going places and participating in events. With a 24-hour home care team, there will always be someone at home who can assist by providing safe transportation to and from events and appointments. They can also step in and offer assistance if your loved one needs help reading the cooking instructions on a packaged meal or medication instructions. She won’t need to wait until someone else is there to help her get the information she needs.