Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans over the age of 65. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatments that can halt the vision loss. When you meet with a skilled Austin optometrist, you can be tested for the condition and learn more about your treatment options. We’d like to look at some of the basics of macular degeneration right now so you understand what the condition involves.
About Macular Degeneration
Also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular degeneration is an eye condition that involves the loss of the central part of the vision. This is caused by damage to the central part of the retina, which is known as the macula. This condition occurs gradually over time, so it's important that you meet with Austin eye doctors and optometrists regularly so that the condition can be identified in its earliest stages.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the early stage, in which the eye tissue decays and deteriorates. Wet macular degeneration occurs when the body attempts to address the deterioration by creating new blood vessels. This causes a leak of blood and other fluids that damages the retina and causes blind spots to occur.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
The most common sign of macular degeneration is the progressive loss of central vision. This begins with blurring of central vision which eventually becomes a blind spot. As macular degeneration develops, people often note that straight lines begin to look curved or crooked.
In general, people who are 50 and older are at greater risk of developing macular degeneration. Women, smokers, Caucasians, and people with high cholesterol all have a higher risk of developing this disease as well.
Diagnosing Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration can thankfully be identified during a routine eye examination, which is a normal part of our eye care services. We will look closely for imperfections in the retina during this exam. We will also ask patients to look at an Amsler gird, a set of perpendicular straight lines similar to a chessboard. If there are any wavy portions in the grid, it will likely be a sign of early macular degeneration.
Treating Macular Degeneration
There are many different treatments to consider for macular degeneration. Non-invasive treatment options include lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and the use of certain medications to slow down vision loss. Eye surgeries are also available to slow or stop the vision loss in progress.
Other Eye Care Issues
In addition to macular degeneration, our eye care team is well equipped to address many other vision problems. Some may be simply addressed through the use Austin contact lensesand eyeglasses, while other may need more involved therapy for effective treatment. We encourage you to visit our practice for your eye exam and to make an appointmet with us.
Learn More About Advanced Eye Care Treatments
For more information about macular degeneration and other eye care matters, we encourage you to make an appointmet today. Our team will be sure to address all of your concerns in full and make sure that you have answers to your question so that you can make a well-informed decision about your eye health.