Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What type of vision loss is typically associated with atrophic macular degeneration?

1. Painless loss of central vision

2. Painless loss of peripheral vision

3. Sudden loss of peripheral vision

4. Progressive loss of color vision

The correct answer is: Painless loss of central vision

Atrophic macular degeneration, often referred to as dry macular degeneration, primarily affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision needed for tasks such as reading and driving. Patients with this condition typically experience a gradual and painless loss of central vision, which significantly impacts their ability to see fine details and can lead to difficulty recognizing faces or reading text. The nature of this vision loss is significant because it distinguishes atrophic macular degeneration from other forms of vision impairment, such as peripheral vision loss caused by glaucoma or other ocular conditions. Understanding this aspect of the disease helps in both the diagnostic process and the development of a management plan for patients, as interventions are generally focused on optimizing remaining vision and providing support for daily activities affected by this central vision loss.