Symptoms
If you have (dry type) ARMD, you may lose some of your vision gradually. You may have trouble reading or driving, or you may start to need a bright light or a magnifying glass to be able to do certain tasks, like needlepoint or reading small words on a page.
If you have (wet type) ARMD, you may start to see wavy lines. You might perceive a straight edge, such as a window blind, as wavy. The visual changes you are seeing may happen quickly, over several weeks.
Risk Factors
Age is the most important risk factor for ARMD. Only people in their mid-50s and older develop the age-related form of macular degeneration.
Smoking increases your risk of getting this eye disease.
If someone in your family has ARMD, you are more likely to get it.
If you have high blood pressure, you may be more likely to acquire ARMD in both eyes after you have developed it in one eye.
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I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
