Macular Degeneration Specialist

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes the loss of the eye's central vision. It’s common among adults after the age of 60. Most common type of macular degeneration is dry, which isn’t as severe as its counterpart, wet. However, there is no current cure for macular degeneration, but there are ways to slow the progression of it. By doing routine eye exams, we can detect the disease in its early stage and slow it’s advancement with treatment.

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Common macular degeneration symptoms include:

• Central vision is blurry
• Straight lines look broken or wavey
• Colors don’t look vibrant 
• Eye pain 
• Difficulty reading
• Extra sensitivity to glare
• Difficulty recognizing faces

See your eye doctor at the first sign of vision changes or other unusual symptoms, as early treatment can save your eyesight.

What are the risk factors for macular degeneration?

While macular degeneration can happen to anybody, the following factors increase your risk of developing it:

• Being over age 60
• Family history and genetics
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular diseases 

Routine eye exams help detect macular degeneration when you’re at risk, even if you don’t experience symptoms of the disease. 

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

To diagnose macular degeneration, your eye doctor reviews your medical history and asks about the symptoms you're experiencing. They complete a comprehensive dilated eye exam, including measuring your central visual acuity, taking an optical coherence tomography; which helps identifying areas of the retina that may be thinning, thickening, and swelling, and they may use imaging tests. Your Iris Eye Care & Contact Lens Gallery specialist will perform these tests and make a detailed plan of treatment to help prolong your vision.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Your personalized macular degeneration treatment plan helps slow down the progression of the disease and help retain your central vision for a longer time. Based on the type and severity of disease. Your optometrist might recommend:

• Lifestyle changes
• Healthier eating habits 
• Oral medications
• Laser treatments
• Invasive laser surgery

Lifestyle treatments that may help regulate the progression of macular degeneration or improve overall eye health include eating a healthy diet, taking vitamin supplements, getting regular exercise, limiting cigarette consumption, and receiving low vision therapy.

Your optometrist refers you to a qualified eye surgeon in your area if you require any surgical procedures.

If you’re at risk for macular degeneration or are experiencing symptoms of the disease, request an appointment with the experts at Iris Eye Care & Contact Lens Gallery by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.