As dry macular degeneration worsens, new blood vessels may grow on the retina. These new blood vessels are fragile, and the may rupture and leak blood and fluid under the macula, causing scar tissue. The damage to the macula may be rapid enough to cause sudden loss of central vision, as opposed to the gradual blurring typical of the dry form of the disease. A sudden change of vision in anyone over age 65 is cause for suspecting macular degeneration. However, for most people, the main symptom is a gradual progressive blurring in the center of the field of vision.
Some individuals also notice a distortion of straight lines and a diminishing of color perception.
There is no pain as the condition develops. During a regular yearly eye exam, the doctor will check for signs of macular degeneration. A patient who notices a blurring of central vision, a distortion of straight lines, or a diminishing of color perception should see the ophthalmologist immediately, even if it is not yet time for his yearly exam. There is no cure for macular degeneration, and no treatment for the dry type. However, many cases of the wet type, which produces the more serious loss of vision, can be treated with laser surgery if it is detected early, before central vision is destroyed which is a good reason to go for a yearly eye exam.