It may degenerate with age. Sometimes this can be mild, sometimes it can result in the loss of the ability to read. It almost never results in total blindness. Some types of macular degeneration can haemorrhage, with the sudden loss of central vision. If detected early, before bleeding has actually occurred, it may be possible to treat the leaking blood vessel.
Impending haemorrhage can sometimes give symptoms of distortion.
All people over the age of sixty should have regular checks for macular degeneration, particularly if there is a family history of it. YAG laser surgery may be required after cataract surgery or in some types of glaucoma. Argon laser surgery may be necessary for diabetic retinopathy, blocked veins in the retina or retinal tears, and also in some types of glaucoma. Both of these are available on site. All pre and post laser treatment is delivered at North Balwyn.