Worried About Vision Loss? What Is Macular Degeneration and How Families Get Support 24/7

What is macular degeneration? It is an age-related eye disease that damages central vision, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or see objects directly in front of you. While it does not cause total blindness, it significantly affects independence and safety. provides 24/7 in-home support for families navigating vision loss.

Serving Sugar Land, Houston, Richmond, Katy, Missouri City, and all of Fort Bend County. Sahara Hospice Care provides 24/7 in-home support wherever patients call home.

Quick Facts for Families

• Macular degeneration affects central vision, not side (peripheral) vision.
• It is most common in adults over age 50.
• There are two main types: dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.
• Available 24/7: Our team comes to your home any time of day or night.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. When people ask what is age related macular degeneration, they are referring to the most common form that develops gradually as we age.

It does not cause complete blindness. Instead, it affects central vision. This means a person may still see clearly to the sides but struggle to read, drive, or recognize faces.

Nearly 20 million adults in the United States live with macular degeneration, and it remains one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 60.

Does It Affect Both Eyes?

Yes. Macular degeneration can develop in one eye or both eyes, often progressing at different speeds.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry (Atrophic) Macular Degeneration

About 90% of people with macular degeneration have the dry form. It develops when tiny yellow protein deposits called drusen form under the macula. Over time, these deposits cause the macula to thin and dry out. Vision loss in dry AMD happens gradually.

Wet (Exudative) Macular Degeneration

When families ask what is wet AMD macular degeneration, this refers to the more severe form. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood or fluid. This buildup causes swelling and damage to central vision. Although only about 10% of patients develop wet AMD, it accounts for most cases of rapid and severe vision loss.

Stages of Dry Macular Degeneration

• Early: Changes are present, but vision is not affected.
• Intermediate: Vision may become blurry or wavy.
• Late: Central vision loss becomes significant.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

The biggest risk factor is aging. However, other contributing factors include:

• Family history
• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Diabetes
• Head injuries
• Certain infections

Age is the strongest risk factor.

Symptoms to Watch For

Many people have no symptoms in early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Straight lines appearing wavy
• Dark or blank spots in the center of vision
• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Changes in color perception

If straight lines appear curved or wavy, it is important to contact an eye care provider immediately.

How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is critical. Eye care providers may use:

• Amsler grid test to check for distortion
• Dilated eye exam to examine the retina
• Fluorescein angiography to detect leaking blood vessels
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detailed retinal imaging
• OCT angiography (OCTA) to view blood flow in the eye

Annual eye exams are especially important after age 50.

What Is the Best Eye Vitamin for Macular Degeneration?

Research from the AREDS and AREDS2 studies shows that certain vitamin combinations may slow progression of dry AMD. These typically include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Copper
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

Always consult your physician before starting supplements.

How Is Macular Degeneration Treated?

There is no cure, but treatment can slow progression.

For Dry AMD:

• AREDS2 nutritional supplements

For Wet AMD:

• Anti-VEGF injections that block abnormal blood vessel growth
• Photodynamic therapy
• Laser therapy in select cases

Treatment is most effective when started early.

Experience Matters: Supporting Families at Home

Vision loss affects more than eyesight — it affects confidence, safety, and emotional well-being.

One family struggled after their mother began seeing wavy lines on the kitchen tiles and could no longer read medication labels. Our nurse evaluated fall risks, improved lighting recommendations, and coordinated follow-up care.

In another situation, a patient became anxious late at night after noticing a dark spot in his central vision. Our 24/7 on-call nurse responded immediately, reassured the family, and coordinated urgent ophthalmology follow-up.

This is what mobile hospice support means — we come to you when you need us most.

For additional medical information about macular degeneration, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How Sahara Hospice Care Helps

• 24/7 on-call nursing support
• In-home safety evaluations
• Medication management assistance
• Coordination with eye specialists and primary care providers
• Emotional support for patients coping with progressive vision loss

We provide compassionate care in the comfort of your home.

Insurance & Eligibility

Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans may cover hospice or palliative services when eligibility criteria are met. Sahara Hospice Care provides Trusted In-Home Hospice Care , handling all paperwork and coordination so families can focus on comfort, dignity, and quality time together. In addition to medical support, the team also helps families with Coping with Grief and Loss , offering emotional guidance and compassionate resources throughout every stage of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of macular degeneration?
Aging is the primary cause, along with genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking.

What is the best treatment for macular degeneration?
Treatment depends on the type. Supplements may help dry AMD, while injections are used for wet AMD.

What are the first signs of macular degeneration?
Wavy lines, blurred central vision, and difficulty seeing in low light are early warning signs.

What is the first stage of macular degeneration?
Early stage changes are present in the retina, but vision may still seem normal.

How to stop macular degeneration?
While it cannot be cured, progression may be slowed through early diagnosis, supplements, and medical treatment.

What is the biggest risk factor for macular degeneration?
Age over 50.

What foods should be avoided with macular degeneration?
Highly processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats should be limited. A diet rich in leafy greens and antioxidants is recommended.

Care Doesn’t Stop at 5 PM — And Neither Do We

Care doesn’t stop at 5 PM, and neither do we. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to support families and beyond, including Diabetic Skin Care With 24/7 Care & Support and guidance on Does Medicare Cover Palliative Care , so families always have answers, comfort, and reliable help when it matters most.

24/7 Helpline: 281-245-9977
HQ Location: 140 Eldridge Rd, Suite B1, Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Email: info@saharahospicecare.com
Book a Consultation: https://saharahospicecare.com/

Disclaimer: Content for educational purposes only. Always consult a physician. Call 911 for emergencies.

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Author: Alan Jacob — Medical Writer.
Primary service areas: Sugar Land, Houston, Katy, Richmond, Pearland, Missouri City, Stafford, Cypress & surrounding areas.
Primary action: Call Sahara Hospice at (281) 245-9977 to schedule an in-home assessment.