Macular Degeneration
Expert macular degeneration care to help protect your sight. At Harris Blake & Parsons, we are experienced in diagnosing, monitoring and managing macular degeneration with thorough eye examinations, advanced imaging and personalised care. Our team is here to help detect changes early, explain your options clearly and support your long-term vision health with confidence.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is when the macula, the part of the eye responsible for your sharp central vision, starts to wear down or become damaged.
It usually develops gradually and is more common as we get older. Many people do not notice changes straight away, which is why regular eye checks are so important. While macular degeneration can affect your vision over time, early detection and ongoing monitoring can make a big difference in protecting your sight for as long as possible.
What causes Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is usually caused by changes in the macula that happen over time. As we get older, the cells in this part of the eye can start to wear down, making it harder to see fine details clearly.
There is not always one clear reason why someone develops macular degeneration, but age, family history and smoking can all increase your risk. In some people, small deposits build up under the retina over time. In others, abnormal blood vessels can grow and leak fluid at the back of the eye, causing faster changes to vision.
Because the early signs can be easy to miss, regular eye checks are important, especially if you are over 50 or have a family history of macular degeneration.
How is Macular Degeneration treated?
Macular degeneration treatment depends on your individual eye health and how much your vision has been affected. While macular degeneration cannot always be reversed, the right care can help slow changes, protect your remaining vision and support your day-to-day quality of life.
Treatment may include regular monitoring, detailed retinal imaging, lifestyle advice, nutritional support, specialist referral and, in some cases, medical treatment to help manage changes at the back of the eye.
At Harris Blake & Parsons, we carefully assess and monitor the health of your macula, explain what is happening in clear, simple language and guide you through the best next steps for your eyes.
What happens if Macula Degeneration is left untreated?
If macular degeneration is left untreated or not monitored properly, it can gradually get worse and may lead to permanent changes in your central vision. This can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, recognising faces, watching TV or seeing fine details much more difficult.
The tricky thing is that early changes are not always obvious, so you may not realise your vision is being affected straight away. Regular eye checks help detect changes early, monitor the health of your macula and make sure you are referred for treatment if needed.
To have your eyes assessed or treated book in for an eye check with Harris Blake & Parsons today.
We provide a wide range of eye checks, treatments and more at our 4 convenient locations in Melbourne’s East.