5 Facts About Macular Degeneration

Laguna Hills Eye Doctors You Can Trust

Finding a Laguna Hills eye doctor might seem like a complicated process at first. At the Retina Associates of Orange County, we understand the importance of having a reliable and local Laguna Hills eye doctor when you truly need one.

Macular degeneration is just one example of a vision-related medical condition that may require attention from a trained eye doctor. If you believe you might be developing macular degeneration, it’s important to know the facts about this disease. While one should keep in mind that every patient’s medical diagnosis and treatment plan might vary, there are some important facts about macular degeneration that may apply across the board. Here’s a quick look at what this condition might entail:

1. Macular degeneration affects the macula in the eye, which is a part of the retina that provides central vision (rather than peripheral vision).This condition typically develops over a slow period of time, often making it difficult for patients to detect it during the early stages. Because it generally does not affect the individual’s peripheral vision, it might take even more time before he/she notices a loss of vision.
2. Adults over 65 are most at-risk for developing macular degeneration. It is a disease that typically begins affecting adults over the age of 50. By age 65, patients are even more likely to notice a substantial decrease in vision due to macular degeneration. As a Laguna Hills eye doctor might attest, even individuals who have maintained healthy eyesight throughout their lives might be at-risk for developing macular degeneration as they age. Individuals may also be more at-risk if they smoke regularly or have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
3. There are two different types of macular degeneration: exudative (“wet”) and atrophic (“dry”). The majority of cases — around 9 in 10 — are atrophic macular degeneration, which is typically less severe than exudative forms. However, if atrophic cases are not treated adequately, they will likely progress into the more severe exudative cases.
4. Macular degeneration typically affects one eye first. If a Laguna Hills eye doctor is able to diagnose the disease in one eye, it may be possible to limit the patient’s risk of developing the condition in the other eye. Even when macular degeneration affects both eyes, this condition alone does not necessarily lead to blindness.
5. Even though there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, a skilled eye doctor in Laguna Hills may be able to mitigate the symptoms and lessen the progression of vision loss. Treatment for macular degeneration may include injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs and laser therapy or surgery.

Contact an Eye Doctor Laguna Hills Trusts

If you’re suffering from an eye injury or a problem with your vision, the team of eye doctors and eye surgeons at the Retina Associates of Orange County may be able to help. Our doctors have experience diagnosing and treating ocular conditions related to the retina, macula, and vitreous. Even if you are not suffering from macular degeneration, our team may be able to provide treatment for other eye conditions pertaining to these specialties.

To schedule an appointment with a trusted Laguna Hills eye doctor, call the Retina Associates of Orange County today.