What is a common symptom of macular degeneration where straight lines appear bent?

Metamorphopsia is the correct term for the visual distortion where straight lines are perceived as bent or warped. This phenomenon occurs due to alterations in the retinal structure or function, commonly associated with conditions such as macular degeneration. In macular degeneration, the macula, which is responsible for central vision and fine detail, becomes compromised, leading to this visual distortion.

The ability of individuals to recognize these changes in their visual field is pivotal in identifying issues related to macular health. Therefore, when patients report this specific symptom—seeing straight lines as wavy or distorted—healthcare providers often consider conditions like macular degeneration as potential underlying causes.

Other terms listed may pertain to different visual phenomena. Scotomas refer to areas of vision loss or blind spots that do not correspond to peripheral vision. Micropsia describes a condition where objects appear smaller than they are, and hyperopia is a refractive error where distant objects are seen more clearly than those that are near. Each of these terms describes distinct visual symptoms not related to the specific distortion of straight lines.