Are you experiencing a central vision shadow only when you wake up?
Seeing dark or shadowy spots in your central vision when you first wake up can be a symptom of age-related macular degeneration. A myAMDteam member mentioned noticing dark spots specifically when looking at their ceiling after waking up.
These shadows or Show Full Answer
Are you experiencing a central vision shadow only when you wake up?
Seeing dark or shadowy spots in your central vision when you first wake up can be a symptom of age-related macular degeneration. A myAMDteam member mentioned noticing dark spots specifically when looking at their ceiling after waking up.
These shadows or dark spots can appear in different ways depending on the type of AMD:
- With advanced dry AMD (geographic atrophy): Patches of dead retinal cells can create blind spots that may appear black, gray, or red
- With wet AMD: Dark spots can be caused by fluid buildup from leaky blood vessels in the macula
Some people with AMD notice these dark spots only when looking at white surfaces, like a ceiling or wall, which might explain why they're more noticeable when you first wake up.
When to contact your doctor:
If this dark spot appeared suddenly or is new, you should contact your eye care provider right away. A sudden appearance of dark spots can signal progression to a more severe type of AMD, and early treatment works best.
Even if the shadow has been present for a while, it's worth mentioning to your doctor at your next appointment so they can monitor any changes.
March 9
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