Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD Specialist

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease, which causes visual loss in patients over the age of 50. The vision loss is painless, usually gradual and not severe, but can be variable among patients. Macular degeneration is named for the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Peripheral vision is usually not affected by macular degeneration and often, this illness will go unnoticed until a patient engages in a task such as driving or reading, in which central vision is crucial. As the term “degeneration” implies, the illness becomes more noticeable over time and tends to get worse with or without treatment. Macular degeneration typically affects adults over 65 and the main risk factors for the disease are increasing age and genetics (family history of macular degeneration). Smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension are also risk factors. This disease does not cause total blindness and most macular degeneration patients can see well enough to care for themselves.

Symptoms Of Macular Degeneration:

• Blurred, dim, wavy or distorted vision
• A black spot in front of central vision
• Difficulty reading or driving

Because macular degeneration usually occurs in one eye before the other, a patient may only notice the symptoms upon covering one of their eyes. To test for Macular degeneration, your eye care provider may use an Amsler grid macular degeneration test (a test that can also be done at home by the patient to monitor symptoms).

Types of Macular Degeneration:

Little is known about the causes of macular degeneration, except that it pertains to aging in specific retinal layers. Macular degeneration occurs in two forms: exudative (“wet”) and atrophic (“dry”). Most cases, 90% in fact, are dry– the less severe form. However, dry macular degeneration occasionally evolves into the more severe wet macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration causes a faster and more severe form of visual loss.

Treatment from an AMD Specialist

As the population’s life expectancy grows, macular degeneration is becoming a greater health concern and more medical researchers are devoting more energy to treating this illness. Unfortunately, macular degeneration has few treatment options. However, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS 2) shows that anti-oxidants and caratenoids such as Vitamins C, Vitamin E, Zeaxanthin, Lutein and minerals such as copper and zinc, help slow the disease’s progression when it reaches the intermediate phase (AREDS 2 eye vitamin).

For wet Macular degeneration, laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be an option. In this particular treatment, an intense light is used to focus on and close areas of leakage that are linked to wet macular degeneration. Most patients are not a candidate for laser or PDT unless the leakage is outside the center of the macula or the leakage is unresponsive to the standard medicine injections (discussed momentarily). In cases where the leakage is within the center of vision, patients may consider another treatment. One approach may be the new class of drugs known as anti-VEGF (anti vascular endothelial growth factor) that are injected into the vitreous cavity. These drugs include:

• Ranibizumab (Lucentis®)
• Alfibercept (Eylea®)
• Bevacizumab (Avastin®)

Injecting these medicines into the center of the eye helps reduce the prominence of actively growing blood vessels in the outer retina. This in turn can reduce the risk of further vision loss and in some patients, actually improve their vision. All forms of wet macular degeneration treatment are most effective when applied early on in the disease process. The leakage is easiest to target when localized, as in the early stages of macular degeneration. Therefore early diagnosis is key to managing and preventing the progression of this disease.

Contact Our AMD Specialist Today!

If you feel you have taken the Amsler grid test and are concerned about your results, or have other reasons to suspect you are suffering from macular degeneration contact Retina Associates of Orange County today. Retina Associates of Orange County‘s qualified retinal specialists can help restore your sight.

As a specialist who has experience treating age related macular degeneration AMD can discuss with you, the symptoms of serious eye issues and disorders can be hard to identify. Age related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a common disease in many aging or elderly adults, and typically occurs after age. Identifying the early signs and symptoms of AMD is essential so that it can be managed before it progresses to a more severe stage. The more it progresses, the more difficult it will be to treat. It is a condition that is less well-known, but a retina specialist can explain to you more about it and what to expect if you are diagnosed.

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? 

AMD stands for age related macular degeneration. The name, macular degeneraiton denotes a condition that comes from the macula in the eye, located in the retina, where part of it begins to deteriorate. There are several forms of AMD: wet  AMD or dry AMD . One or both eyes can be affected, but it usually develops in one eye first. Since the middle area of the eye is where degeneration occurs, loss of vision is in the center of the eye. Peripheral vision is largely unaffected by age related macular degeneration. However, it can make tasks and activities like reading, gardening, driving, and other everyday tasks difficult to do. Patients with AMD may not even be able to drive at all if their condition is especially severe. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of AMD, such as age, genetics and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Is Macular Degeneration Treatable? 

As a qualified age related macular degeneration AMD specialist can go over in detail, AMD is treatable if action is done as soon as possible. There is both wet and dry AMD, and currently there are only treatments available for wet AMD. Dry AMD can be treated and progression of the disease can be slowed down. Talk to a retina specialist to obtain more information about possible treatments for you.

Signs of Macular Degeneration 

Being aware of the common signs of AMD is necessary so that you can seek treatment before the disease progresses. Patients who are diagnosed with age related macular degeneration may experience one or more symptoms, such as the following:

• Wave or straight lines
• Dark spots in their vision
• Blurry or distorted vision

Macular degeneration is a serious eye condition that should not be ignored. If you suspect even minor symptoms, you should call an eye doctor who is familiar with macular degeneration and treatments for it. Describe any symptoms that you see to an eye doctor and they will conduct additional tests if necessary. They will do a complete exam to see what symptoms you have and treatments for your condition.

See an Eye Specialist 

AMD is a disease that can drastically impede your day to day life and impact the health of your eyes. Seek treatment immediately so that an eye doctor can run tests and identify potential treatments for you. Talk to a qualified and experienced age related macular degeneration AMD specialist now.

Common Myths About Senior Vision Care

An ophthalmologist can help with age-related macular degeneration, but many misconceptions about senior vision care still persist. At Retina Associates of Orange County, we pride ourselves on our skilled team of ophthalmologists, and it’s earned us national recognition. We’re devoted to advancing patient care and retinal treatment technologies, but it all starts with keeping our patients informed. Read on to debunk some common myths, and contact us today to get started with your treatment.

Myth 1: Vision Loss Is An Inevitable Part Of Aging

While changes in vision are common with age, significant vision loss is not a normal part of aging. Many conditions that affect seniors’ vision, such as cataracts and changes in the retina, can often be treated or managed. Regular eye exams are crucial to diagnosing issues early when they are most treatable.

Myth 2: Reading In Low Light Worsens Your Vision

Many believe that reading in dim light can exacerbate vision problems. However, while reading in low light might strain your eyes and cause temporary discomfort, it does not cause lasting damage to your vision. It’s always more comfortable to read with sufficient lighting to avoid eye strain.

Myth 3: There’s No Need For Regular Eye Exams If You See Well

Even if you have not noticed any problems with your vision, regular eye exams are essential. Many eye diseases that commonly affect seniors, such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, can progress without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular check-ups ensure that any changes in eye health are caught early.

Myth 4: Eye Exercises Can Prevent Vision Decline

There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eye exercises can prevent or reduce vision decline related to age. While exercises can help manage specific eye conditions, they cannot stop the natural changes in the eye that occur with aging.

Myth 5: Cataract Surgery Is Dangerous And Ineffective

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed today. It is safe and effective, with a high success rate. Modern techniques and technologies have made cataract surgery a routine procedure that significantly improves vision in the vast majority of cases.

Myth 6: Dry Eyes Are Just A Minor Annoyance

While dry eyes can be more common as people age and might seem like just a nuisance, they can seriously affect vision and quality of life. Dry eyes can lead to more severe conditions if not treated properly, including infections and damage to the eye surface. It’s important to consult with an eye care professional if you regularly experience dry eyes.

Myth 7: It’s Too Late To Improve Vision Once You Are Older

Many seniors believe that once their vision starts declining, nothing can be done to improve it. However, with the right treatment and interventions, it is possible to restore or enhance vision – and in the case of age-related macular degeneration, you can take important steps to slow down your vision loss. Technologies in eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as surgical options, can significantly improve vision quality even later in life.

Myth 8: Wearing Glasses Makes Your Eyesight Worse Over Time

Wearing the correct prescription glasses or contact lenses helps you see better but does not make your natural eyesight worse. Some people may feel more dependent on their corrective lenses as they wear them regularly, but this is because they become accustomed to clear vision with their glasses or contacts.

Contact Us Today

At Retina Associates of Orange County, we believe in empowering our patients with accurate information and the best eye care services. If you have concerns about your vision or have been avoiding eye care based on these or other myths, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. Get in touch with our team today, and see how we can help you with age-related macular degeneration.

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