What You Need to Know About Macular Degeneration

What You Need to Know About Macular Degeneration  

Did you know that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans aged 60 or older? The prospect of losing your vision is certainly stressful and anxiety producing. Since macular degeneration attacks the sharp, central vision you need to see objects and perform basic tasks like reading and driving, AMD can have a profound impact on your quality of life. Understanding the warning signs of AMD is essential to addressing this serious condition as soon as possible and limiting its impact on your life. Here’s what you need to know about AMD:

4 Facts about Macular Degeneration

#1: Comprehensive eye exams are the best way to detect macular degeneration before vision loss occurs. AMD affects the macula, which is the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details and manage central vision. While AMD is most likely to affect individuals over the age of 60, it can occur earlier. Total Eyecare offers the Optomap Retinal Scan which produces a high resolution image and aids the Doctors in diagnosing and tracking diseases of the retina. It gives us a digital record that can be compared year to year to see any minute changes of the retina and ensure that conditions like AMD are diagnosed earlier than ever meaning easier, faster and cheaper treatment for our patients.

#2: There are two types of macular degeneration: Wet AMD and Dry AMD. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula, leaking blood damages the macula. The most common symptom of  Wet AMD is blurred vision. Dry AMD occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula break down, causing gradual vision loss; straight lines often appear to be crooked.

#3: There is no cure for AMD. While treatment can slow vision loss, it cannot restore lost vision. Since early-stage AMD typically has no symptoms, our eye doctor will use visual acuity tests, a dilated eye exam, and other tests like optical coherence tomography to detect early signs of AMD.

#4: Smoking more than doubles your risk for AMD. Caucasians are at greater risk for AMD than African-Americans. Individuals with a family history of AMD are also at increased risk. The best ways to lower your risk for AMD are to not smoke, regularly exercise, maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eat a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish.

Post your questions about macular degeneration below.

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