Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina. It is a progressive condition that causes the loss of central vision, which is essential for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
At Retina Consultants of Orlando, our retina specialists have the knowledge and expertise necessary to diagnose and treat macular degeneration to help preserve vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is a condition that damages the macula, a small but critical part of the retina that is responsible for central vision. The macula is located in the center of the retina, and it helps to focus light and transmit visual images to the brain.
When the macula becomes damaged, it affects your ability to see fine details clearly and may cause you to experience blurry or distorted vision.
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration is the most common type and is characterized by the formation of small, yellow deposits called drusen in the macula. As these deposits increase in size and number, they can cause the macula to thin and atrophy, leading to vision loss.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration, on the other hand, occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking fluid and causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Wet macular degeneration is less common than the dry form but is much more sight-threatening.
What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
The early stages of macular degeneration may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the eye condition progresses, you may experience the following symptoms:
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment to see your eye doctor at Retina Consultants of Orlando immediately. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of macular degeneration and preserve vision.
Who is at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is more common in older adults, especially those over sixty. Smoking doubles your risk of developing macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration can also run in families, and certain genes may increase a person’s risk of developing macular degeneration. In addition, some health conditions can increase your chances of developing this eye condition.
High blood pressure, for example, can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing wet macular degeneration.
How is Macular Degeneration Treated?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for macular degeneration. However, there are several treatment options available that can help slow the progression of this eye condition and preserve vision.
Dry macular degeneration is typically treated with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. There are new FDA-approved drugs that are injected into the eye that can treat advanced dry AMD and slow the progression of the disease. Wet macular degeneration may be treated with medications injected into the eye that can help reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessels from growing.
These injections may need to be given on a regular basis, and some people may require laser surgery to seal leaking blood vessels. In addition to medical treatments, vision rehabilitation can help people with macular degeneration maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Early detection and treatment are essential for slowing the progression of the disease and preserving vision, so make sure you visit your eye doctor regularly if you are at risk of developing macular degeneration.
Are you experiencing vision changes or other symptoms of macular degeneration? Schedule an appointment at Retina Consultants of Orlando in Orlando, FL, today!