Macular degeneration is a chronic condition of the eye. One of the leading causes of vision loss among American seniors, the main two types of macular degeneration impacts the central vision of people 50 and older.
If you are concerned about vision loss, then read on about this serious condition and how your ophthalmologist in Miramar, FL, can help.
What Are the Types of Macular Degeneration?
Broadly, there are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration accounts for about 90 percent of this chronic eye condition. Wet macular degeneration represents about 10 percent of those diagnosed.
However, wet macular degeneration is the more severe form of the disease. It causes the blood vessels of the retina at the back of the eye to leak fluid. It also leads to an excessive proliferation of abnormally formed and dysfunctional blood vessels in the back of the eye.
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
Sadly, macular degeneration tends to have a slow onset. This means that macular degeneration may go unnoticed until the condition has progressed significantly.
Common symptoms include distorted vision (straight lines look wavy), dark spots, or empty spaces in your central vision. You may have difficulty adjusting to low light conditions.
Additionally, colors may begin to look different. Your vision will become progressively blurry regardless of vision correction with glasses or contact lenses.
These symptoms develop because the macula in the center of the back of the eye wrinkles and deteriorates. This degeneration drastically affects general vision and central vision in particular.
Over time, patients lose more and more visual acuity. The vision loss impacts the ability to drive, read and perform everyday tasks.
How Can Your Ophthalmologist Help?
Your ophthalmologist will perform a complete examination of your eyes to determine if you have macular degeneration. This may include visual acuity tests, dilated eye exams, and imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography. These tests can identify the type of macular degeneration you have and help your ophthalmologist plan treatment for your specific form of macular degeneration.
How Can My Ophthalmologist in Miramar, FL, Help My Macular Degeneration?
First, it is important to know the particular risk factors for developing macular degeneration. Your eye doctor will help you identify them.
The most common risk factors are:
- Age over 50 and particularly, over 60
- Family history of the condition
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Caucasian race
- Diet high in fat
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Poor diet
Second, you should know that there is no real cure for macular degeneration. However, there are many treatment options available to slow down the progression of this disease and manage its symptoms.
The treatments for macular degeneration include the following.
Anti-VEGF Injections:
These injections block the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Abnormal vessel growth can cause further damage and vision loss.
Laser Therapy
This treatment uses high-energy laser light to destroy abnormal blood vessels and prevent them from leaking fluid into the retina.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a combination of medication, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections) and laser therapy to target and destroy abnormal blood vessels.
Vitamin Supplements
Taking certain vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin C, E, zinc, copper, and lutein, can slow the progression of macular degeneration in some cases. Your eye doctor can advise you on which supplements are best for you.
Low Vision Aids
Your ophthalmologist may recommend using low-vision aids, such as magnifying glasses, page magnifiers, or telescopic lenses, to help improve your vision and make daily tasks easier. Also, if you wear corrective lenses, make sure to use them all the time for reading and daily tasks.
Lifestyle Changes
To avoid macular degeneration of either type or to slow it down, keep a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants. Also, stop smoking and drinking alcohol to slow down the progression of macular degeneration.
Macular Degeneration Care in Miramar, FL
At Miramar Eye Institute, our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Kenneth Karp, treats many patients with dry or wet macular degeneration. He bases his custom-tailored care plans on complete diagnostic assessments, family and medical history, and more.
To learn more or to schedule your annual eye examination with Dr. Karp, call Miramar Eye Institute at (954) 437-4316 or use our appointment request form.
We will be happy to see you and help you have the best possible vision.