Preserving Your Sight: Understanding the 4 Stages of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of vision loss. An estimated 19.8 million Americans have macular degeneration; of those, nearly 1.5 million have vision-threatening degeneration.

Yet, despite the prevalence, it’s often misunderstood. 

Rather than causing total blindness, macular degeneration impacts your central vision. It primarily damages the macula, the part of your eye responsible for clear central vision. 

Without clear central vision, activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces become increasingly difficult, if not impossible.

If you’re facing a macular degeneration diagnosis (or have the risk factors), you likely want to know how you can preserve your sight.

Take a moment as our experts at Maryland Eye Care Center explain the four stages of macular degeneration and how you can preserve your sight.

1. Early 

In the earliest stage, small yellow deposits (drusen) form under your retina. You likely don’t have any noticeable symptoms at this stage, and your vision typically remains clear.

This stage is often detected only during a comprehensive eye exam.

Keep up with any prescribed treatments (or at-home testing) if you’re in this stage.

2. Intermediate 

During this stage, the drusen grow larger and more numerous, and you may start to experience subtle vision changes such as:

• Mild blurriness
• Needing brighter light to read
• Slight difficulty adapting to low-light settings

Progression at this stage can still be slow, but it’s a critical time to keep up with regular eye exams and evidence-based recommendations (such as supplements when appropriate). You can also monitor your central vision with an at-home eye test. 

Again, keep up with any prescribed treatments (or at-home testing) if you’re in this stage.

3. Late (dry form)

In late-stage macular degeneration, symptoms can differ depending on the type. The dry form is the most common, usually developing slowly over time. 

As the macula gradually thins and breaks down, central vision becomes more blurred. You may notice a fuzzy or dim spot in the center of your vision, which makes reading, watching TV, or recognizing faces more difficult.

While there’s no cure for the dry form, many people continue to live full lives with the help of vision aids, practical strategies, and regular eye care.

4. Late (wet form)

The wet form is less common but can progress more quickly and accounts for a greater share of vision loss from macular degeneration. 

It happens when fragile blood vessels grow beneath your retina and leak fluid or blood. That can lead to sudden changes in vision, such as straight lines appearing wavy or dark spots developing in your central vision.

Early treatment, often with in-office injections, can help slow vision loss and, in many cases, preserve your remaining sight when started promptly.

How to prevent macular degeneration

Macular degeneration isn’t always preventable, but you can take steps to protect your sight:

• Schedule routine, comprehensive eye exams
• Don’t smoke
• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
• Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s
• Report any sudden vision changes right away

If you experience blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, or straight lines that appear wavy, reach out to us.

How to treat macular degeneration and preserve your sight

Macular degeneration can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our eye care experts can help guide you with a personalized care plan. 

Depending on your needs, we may recommend lifestyle and nutrition changes, specialized vitamins (including vitamin C and E), close monitoring, or advanced treatments such as in-office anti-VEGF injections to help slow progression. 

Anti-VEGF injections, for example, can stabilize vision in 90% of people who try them.

If you’ve noticed changes in your vision or have concerns about macular degeneration, contact our office in Hyattsville or Silver Spring, Maryland, today to learn more about the treatments that can help preserve your vision. Click here to schedule your eye exam.