A new study, published in the JAMA Ophthalmology, has found that patients who experience macular degeneration in one eye often suffer accelerated progression of this vision stealing disease in the other eye as well. Looking at retinal scans from over 4,300 patients, the authors of this study found that in nearly all instances, the severity of macular degeneration in one eye impacted the acceleration and severity of the disease in the other. According to the study’s authors, “Our model demonstrated the effect of one eye on the incidence and progression of AMD in its fellow eye across the entire continuum of AMD severity.” This study took place over a 20-year period.
Macular degeneration is an age-related disorder that causes distortion of central vision, diminished color vibrancy, and eventual blindness. There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but treatment can help slow its progression and may even prevent a complete loss of vision.
Macular degeneration is often asymptomatic at first, but when caught in this stage, treatments are often very successful at saving sight. This is one of the many reasons it is important to visit your eye doctor at least once a year after the age of 65.
If you are looking for an experienced eye doctor in Pennsylvania, please contact Northeastern Eye Institute today and schedule an appointment at one of our 16 Northeastern Pennsylvania locations.