Age No Barrier: Understanding Macular Degeneration in Younger Generations

One of the most important reasons to get eye and vision exams in Burleson, TX, routinely is to watch for signs of eye diseases that could be emerging. One of the most common eye conditions that can affect vision is Macular degeneration. However, this condition is often assumed to only be associated with older or senior adults. In reality, signs of macular degeneration can show up in younger patients, and early diagnosis is key to maintaining vision for the long term.

Recognizing Macular Degeneration in Young Adults
The signs and symptoms of Macular degeneration look much like the presentations in older adults. However, younger individuals are more likely to overlook their symptoms or discount Macular degeneration as a probable cause for the issues they are experiencing. A few signs of Macular degeneration, regardless of your age, include:

Blurred or distorted central vision
Difficulty seeing details, such as faces or words
Increased sensitivity to glare
Decreased ability to adapt to low-light conditions
Loss of color perception
Visual hallucinations or distortions
Uncovering Influences on Youthful Macular Health
In younger adults, macular degeneration can be caused by genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions like Stargardt disease, trauma to the eye, or environmental factors such as excessive exposure to UV light or smoking. While less common in this age group, these factors can still contribute to the development of macular degeneration.

Strategies to Safeguard Vision Against Premature Degeneration
While macular degeneration as a young adult may be uncommon, it is not impossible. However, there are several things you can do to safeguard your vision and prevent furthering the condition, including:

Detect degeneration early with regular eye exams.
Support eye health with antioxidants and vitamins and a balanced diet.
Wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays.
Reduce eye strain with breaks during prolonged periods of screen time.
Prevent eye fatigue with good lighting.
Strengthen muscles and improve focus by exercising your eyes.
Lower the risk of eye diseases and Macular damage by quitting smoking.
Control diabetes and hypertension to negate ill effects on your eyes.
Discuss Macular degeneration Concerns with an Eye Doctor in Burleson
If you are afraid you may have a risk of macular degeneration, it is never too early to visit aBurleson, TX, eye doctorfor advice. Reach out to the team at Vision Plaza to schedule a consultation and thorough eye exam today.