Man looking into distance

Macular Degeneration

Have you noticed your vision worsening with age? Central vision loss could be a sign of macular degeneration. The board-certified doctors at Ohio Vision in Sidney, OH, can help you detect and manage the symptoms of this eye disease.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

The macula is the center of the retina. When the macula starts to deteriorate, the eye's central vision worsens. Macular degeneration can make it difficult for patients to see and process information in their central field of vision.  

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

  • Central vision loss
  • Straight lines appearing crooked
  • Needing more light to read
  • Changes in color perception
  • Changes in vision quality
  • Trouble adapting to low light levels

This Is What You See With Macular Degeneration

Typically, your vision consists of both what you can see straight ahead and from your peripherals. As the disease progresses, however, you lose your central field of vision.

Macular Degeneration Risk Factors

Advanced Age

Patients age 55 and older have a greater chance of developing age-related macular degeneration. The older someone is, the greater the chance they have AMD. 

Race 

Researchers have found that white Americans have a greater likelihood of developing AMD. 2.5% of white adults over 50 develop AMD, compared to 0.9% each of blacks, Hispanics, and Americans of other races. 

Family History

As with many medical conditions, a family history of the disease can increase your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration.

History of Smoking

According to the Macular Society, smokers are up to four times more likely to have AMD than nonsmokers. Also, smokers have an increased risk of developing AMD 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.

Obesity

A high BMI can increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, but improving your health can slow down progression of this eye disease.

Heart Disease

Patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke have a greater chance of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Diabetic Patients

Patients with either type I or type II diabetes are at a greater risk of developing macular degeneration.

Are You At Risk? Request a Consultation

If you have any of the risk factors listed above, regular eye exams are crucial to spotting age-related macular degeneration and slowing the progression of the disease.

Patients throughout Ohio come to our offices in Sidney, Bellefontaine, Celina, and Troy to monitor their eye health. We're highly trusted by patients in Sidney and beyond because of our commitment to advanced care. Our eye doctors are highly regarded and have extensive training that they constantly refine through continuing education. Both our ophthalmologist, Christopher T. Johnson, and our optometrist, William E. Schemmel, are board-certified doctors committed to helping you maintain your best possible vision.

Reach out to us at our Sidney office or one of our other locations in Ohio for an eye exam.

Call to request a consultation:

(937) 492-8040

Drs. Schemmel and Johnson
Drs. Schemmel and Johnson are board-certified doctors who can help you maintain the best possible ocular health.

Hear From a Sidney, OH, Patient

"Dr. Johnson has revolutionized this practice, with his new technology and thorough exams, eye care has never felt this safe and accommodating. If you or anyone you know needs cataract surgery i would tell anyone and everyone to go here. Completely pleased with staff and doctors. Dr. Schemmel works hand in hand with Dr. Johnson and his calculations and exams are spot on. Highly recommend!!!!" Siera Cornett

Daily Eye Exams A Simple Way to Monitor for AMD

Patients experience gradual vision loss with age-related macular degeneration. This slow-paced vision loss can be hard to notice in its earliest stages. If you're at risk for dry AMD, check your vision daily with the Amsler grid to pinpoint vision changes. Here's how to use this simple yet effective tool:
Take the Amsler grid test once a day, every day, to notice any vision loss.
Take the Amsler grid test once a day, every day, to notice any vision loss.

Print the Grid

The Amsler grid is free to print online. Print it out on a standard sheet of paper to mark any changes.

Look at the Grid

Hold the grid about a foot away from your eyes. Cover one eye and look at the center dot. If you have glasses, leave them on during the test and ensure you have good lighting.

Note Distorted Vision

As you look at the center dot, take note of the grid lines in your peripheral vision. If any lines look wavy, blurry, or dark, take note on the sheet of paper. Repeat with your other eye.

Contact Our Team

When you notice these distortions in your field of vision, it's time to contact our team and head to our Sidney office, or one of our other locations, for a comprehensive eye exam. 

Patients From Sidney and Beyond Love Our Practice

"Very well performed exam, Dr. Wilding explained the process and plan in terms that were easy to understand."
Teresa Mikesell
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Ohio Vision

Ohio Vision is honored to provide the very best medical and surgical eye care to patients in Mercer, Shelby, Logan, and Miami Counties. Drs. Johnson, and Schemmel are both board-certified and experts in their respective disciplines. We are proud to be affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Medical Association
  • Ohio State Medical Association
  • American Board of Optometry
  • Vision Professionals Boar

To request more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call (937) 492-8040.

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