Macular Degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is due to damage to the central part of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for our most detailed and central vision. Typically, this condition begins around the age of 60 or older. AMD will not cause total blindness because it only affects the central vision.
Macular Degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is due to damage to the central part of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for our most detailed and central vision. Typically, this condition begins around the age of 60 or older. AMD will not cause total blindness because it only affects the central vision.
Macular Degeneration symptoms can be mild or severe
& can include
& can include
- A distortion of straight lines
- Distortion of peoples faces when looking directly at them.
- An overall decrease in quality of vision.
- A dark or empty area centrally.
Macular Degeneration symptoms can be mild or severe
& can include
& can include
- A distortion of straight lines
- Distortion of peoples faces when looking directly at them.
- An overall decrease in quality of vision.
- A dark or empty area centrally.
There are 2 kinds of macular degeneration: dry and wet.
- Dry macular degeneration is the most common type of AMD. Symptoms may be so insignificant that it may go unnoticed until you have a dilated exam.
- Wet macular degeneration is less common and more server. Patient with wet macular degeneration may need to be treated with injections from retinal specialist
Early detection of macular degeneration is important. Visit your ophthalmologist on a regular basis as you age so that proper treatment plans can be performed at an early stage.
A scan of your eyes can be done with a machine called the OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). An OCT can evaluate the thickness and health of the retina. Any of our qualified doctors can monitor the health of your macula.
Additionally you can be proactive at home by using an amsler grid. An amsler grid is a simple grid chart with a dot in the middle. When used correctly it can show problem spots in your field of vision. Talk to your doctor about using an amsler grid or download and print out ours here. Can I link a downloadable PDF here? This grid should not replace routine visits to your eye doctor.