Early Symptoms of Macular Dystrophy

Macular dystrophy is not just one disease, it is a group of diseases of the macula that are inherited. Two forms of the disease are juvenile macular dystrophy and vitelliform macular dystrophy. What they both have in common is that they lead to vision loss. At Thyroid Eyes in Houston, TX, we provide comprehensive eye exams to learn more about your condition and care to help preserve your vision. Before visiting us, learn about some early symptoms of macular dystrophy below:

What is Macular Dystrophy?

The macula is part of the retina in the rear area of the eye. It is responsible for central vision, the clarity of your vision, and your color vision. In this disease, a pigment builds up in the macula and it affects your ability to see clearly. However, it does not cause total blindness since peripheral vision is not affected.

What are Some Early Symptoms of Macular Dystrophy?

In the early stages there may be no symptoms. However, as it progresses, you may experience increased sensitivity to light and black spots in your central vision. Along with that, lines may appear bent and colors and shapes are distorted.

Diagnosing Macular Dystrophy

Before treatment can begin, the exact type of macular dystrophy that you have needs to be determined through ophthalmology testing. A fluorescein angiography can detect retinal damage from macular dystrophy. Once the exact type is determined, our ophthalmologist can offer guidance on how to protect your eyesight.

Treatment for Macular Dystrophy

Currently, there are no treatments for macular dystrophy. The progression of the disease is usually slow, so it will take years to lose your central vision completely. However, with regular eye exams, we can monitor your condition and detect any signs early.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing any symptoms of macular dystrophy, our team at Thyroid Eyes in Houston, TX, is happy to help. To learn more about this eye disease or to schedule your appointment, call our office at (713) 478-9123 today. When you’re looking for an ophthalmologist near me, we are ready to assist you!