Service & Facility
Service & Facility
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- The macula, located at the center of your retina, is responsible for your sharp central vision.
- As you age, AMD can affect your ability to see clearly, becoming the leading cause of irreversible legal blindness among older individuals.
- If you smoke or have a family history of AMD, the risk and severity increase.
Types of AMD
Dry AMD:
This early stage progresses slowly, gradually leading to the loss of central vision.
While it affects both eyes, it may progress faster in one eye.
- Eventually, central vision is lost in both eyes.
Wet AMD:
Develops from Dry AMD and involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the macula.
These blood vessels leak fluid and blood, resulting in scar formation and significant vision loss.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- The macula, located at the center of your retina, is responsible for your sharp central vision.
- As you age, AMD can affect your ability to see clearly, becoming the leading cause of irreversible legal blindness among older individuals.
- If you smoke or have a family history of AMD, the risk and severity increase.
Types of AMD
Dry AMD:
This early stage progresses slowly, gradually leading to the loss of central vision.
While it affects both eyes, it may progress faster in one eye.
- Eventually, central vision is lost in both eyes.
Wet AMD:
Develops from Dry AMD and involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the macula.
These blood vessels leak fluid and blood, resulting in scar formation and significant vision loss.
When to See a Doctor:
- Regular eye exams are vital to catch AMD early.
- Please make an appointment with an eye doctor if you experience:
- Difficulty seeing people clearly at a distance.
- Trouble adjusting to different light conditions.
Needing brighter light for reading as time goes on.
Diagnosis Tests:
1. Comprehensive Eye Exam:
Your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough examination, including a dilated exam and other tests to assess retinal damage.
2. Distance Visual Acuity Measurement:
This test evaluates your distance vision by reading an eye chart with one eye covered at a time.
3. Amsler Grid:
By observing an Amsler grid’s pattern of lines, we can identify wavy, distorted, or missing lines, or a black spot in the center, indicating AMD.
4. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
This non-invasive imaging procedure creates detailed 3D images of your eyes, helping determine disease progression and the need for treatment.
5. Fluorescein Angiography:
By injecting dye and capturing retinal images, we can detect changes in your retinal blood vessels.
AMD Treatment:
Dry AMD:
Our caring team will guide you in lifestyle adjustments, including smoking cessation and antioxidant supplements.
Regular eye exams and early intervention are key to managing the condition effectively.
Wet AMD:
We offer advanced treatments, such as anti-VEGF injections, to halt abnormal blood vessel growth.
These injections can prevent severe vision loss and, in many cases, even improve vision.
- Initially, injections may be needed monthly, but we strive to reduce the frequency over time while ensuring the best outcomes.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with us today, to monitor your vision health and receive the care you deserve.