At Centreville Eye Care Center, we understand how concerning it can be when your vision changes. Whether you’ve started noticing a shadowy blur in the middle of your sight, wavy lines that weren’t there before, or trouble reading or recognizing faces, it may be more than just aging.
These symptoms could be early signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)—and the sooner it’s addressed, the better.
Blurry Spots: What Could Be Causing Them?
A blurred or shadowy area in the center of your vision is a common early warning sign for AMD, but it isn’t the only condition to consider. Other possibilities include:
- · Floaters
- · Macular edema (swelling of the retina)
- · Cataracts
Each of these issues requires different care—so it’s important to get checked right away. At Centreville Eye Care, we use state-of-the-art retinal imaging and diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause quickly and accurately.
Why Do Straight Lines Look Wavy?
If straight lines suddenly appear curved or distorted, that’s a red flag. This symptom is closely associated with:
- · Macular degeneration
- · Macular holes
- · Swelling or fluid in the retina
A simple retinal scan performed in our office can often identify the issue on the spot. Don’t ignore this sign—it’s one of the most telltale indicators of retinal changes.
Struggling to Read or Recognize Faces?
While it’s normal to experience vision changes with age, a rapid or unexplained decline in your ability to see fine print or recognize faces could be more serious. These can be signs that your central vision is being affected—and AMD may be the culprit.
We’ll assess whether it’s a prescription change or something deeper. Either way, you’ll leave with answers and a personalized plan for your eye health.
Does Family History Matter?
Yes. If you have a parent or sibling with AMD, your risk increases—but genetics aren’t the only factor. Smoking, diet, UV exposure, and other lifestyle habits can contribute, too.
During your exam, we’ll talk through your risk factors and how to reduce them. Prevention is a big part of our mission, and we’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to protect your vision long-term.
Will I Go Blind from Macular Degeneration?
This is a common fear—but no, AMD does not cause total blindness. It impacts your central vision, but your peripheral vision typically remains intact. That said, untreated AMD can significantly affect your independence and daily activities.
Fortunately, treatments exist—especially for dry AMD, which now has promising new therapy options. If needed, we’ll connect you with top-tier retina specialists in our trusted referral network.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Sight
If you're noticing:
- Blurry spots in your vision
- Wavy lines or visual distortion
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
It’s time to get evaluated. Centreville Eye Care Center is here with the technology and expertise to detect changes early—and help you preserve your sight. Call us today or book your appointment online to get started
