Macular Degeneration

What Is Macular Degeneration?

The macula is the specific area of your retina that is responsible for your central, or forward vision. Located at the back of the eye, it collects light rays and sends them to your brain to create the visual image you see.

Macular degeneration describes a series of eye conditions that damage your central vision due to a deterioration of the macula. The macula plays an essential part in clear vision. This makes any case of macular degeneration a potential threat to the quality of a person's sight. More advanced cases of the disease can lead to a noticeable loss in central vision and depth perception, making it impossible to drive or even read. Since the macula only affects your forward vision, the end result untreated could leave a person with only their peripheral vision left to guide them.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age related macular degeneration is by far the most common form of macular degeneration, and for many, just an unfortunate part of the aging process. As we age, the tissue in our bodies begins to break down naturally. This includes the sensitive tissue of the macula. The result is a deterioration of the macula and subsequent damage to our central vision. AMD is a common condition, and unfortunately a serious one. To date, it is the leading cause of blindness amongst people over the age of 65.

There are two specific types of AMD that a person can develop:  Wet AMD and Dry AMD. 

• Dry AMD
  Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD responsible for almost 90% of all AMD diagnoses. Dry AMD develops when the tissue of the macula begins to degenerate. This causes problems with central vision which will most likely worsen over time. There is no current cure for AMD, but there are several treatment options that can considerably slow down the progression of the disease, which we will discuss below.
  
  
• Wet AMD
  In more rare instances, Dry AMD can progress to the point where the body starts to develop new blood vessels in the back of the eye. This is an issue because these blood vessels are usually weak and abnormal, so they tend to leak or bleed into the retina. This is called Wet AMD and is a very
  serious condition that can result in rapid vision loss. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the U.S. Should you experience rapid decline in vision, or should straight lines appear wavy and distorted, seek treatment immediately. Most cases, if detected early enough, are treatable.
  It is important to understand that while a sobering subject, many cases of AMD are treatable, but early detection is extremely important.  

Symptoms Of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration affects everyone differently, so no two cases are ever exactly the same. However, since the macula is responsible for central vision, all symptoms will influence your straight-ahead visual clarity. That being said, some of the more common experiences people report are things such as:

• Trouble reading words in a book or on a computer screen
• A black spot or dark circle appearing in the center of your vision
• Straight lines appearing to be blurry or wavy 

AMD usually only gradually worsens over time, and it's easy to realize why people can go on sometimes for years and never know they have the disease. Fortunately, a general eye exam by an MD ophthalmologist with extensive experience and the technology to accurately test for it can allow for the diagnosis of AMD before any further damage develops. It's another important reason to maintain your routine yearly eye exams.   

Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration

SiSince the symptoms of AMD are hardly noticeable until some degree of vision loss has occurred, it is essential to undergo a yearly eye exam to find out if early macular changes have developed. The good news is that the early stages of AMD are detectable by an experienced MD Ophthalmologist and if caught early, treatment is highly successful at slowing down or stopping any potential visual loss.

The most important thing you can do to protect your vision from AMD is to undergo a thorough eye exam at least once a year, by a qualified MD Ophthalmologist with the training and technology to detect early changes. At the Eye Associates of Brazos Valley we have the latest digital, high resolution retinal imaging and angiography available to detect very early signs of AMD. 

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for AMD, but there are several successful treatment options that can slow down the progress of the disease, and in some cases, even reverse vision loss due to AMD.

Treatment for Dry AMD

Surprisingly, the most effective treatment at slowing down or stopping the progression of Dry AMD is a
all-natural supplement of specific vitamins and nutrients. Studies have shown that beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E, zinc oxide, lutein, and most recently Zeaxanthine can slow the progression of the disease. 

Treatment for Wet AMD

Wet AMD is a much more rapidly degenerating and severe condition. Treatment must be targeted at stopping the leakage of fluid or blood into the retina, as well as the continual growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. The most successful treatment options include medicines that are injected into the eye, and laser therapy directed to the abnormal blood vessels. Some of the more common treatments include:

• Lucentis and Avantis
  Lucentis and Avastin are recently FDA-approved drugs that works by stopping the development of new blood vessels in the eye. It is administered through a series of direct injections into the eye. They are both showing great promise in the treatment of Wet AMD, with most cases resulting in complete
  stoppage, and even some reversal, of vision loss.

• Laser Therapy
  For lesions not located in the very center of the retina, laser therapy is a good option to cauterize the abnormal blood vessels and stop the leakage of fluid and blood into the retina to prevent any further vision loss. 

Routine eye examinations with an Eye MD that is highly trained in this disorder are critical for early detection and in some cases, immediate treatment.

We at the Eye Associates of Brazos Valley have decades of experience and the latest technology to accurately diagnose and treat AMD and a multitude of other eye diseases. 

Click here to schedule a complete eye health examination with the Eye Associates of Brazos Valley today!