Macular degeneration affects the macula, the small, sensitive area of the retina that provides our central vision. The macula allows us to see fine details and gives the “pinpoint” vision we use for tasks such as reading small print, recognizing faces, shapes, and colors, threading a needle, seeing a computer screen, and driving a car.
While macular degeneration is a common cause of vision loss, early detection and timely treatment can help delay its progression and preserve your vision. Vision that is lost due to macular degeneration can significantly impact a person's lifestyle, so prevention is an important part of treating this condition.
Regular eye exams are key to detecting any eye disease. Since there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, it is integral that it be detected as soon as possible to prevent vision loss.
AMD progresses at different rates in different people. While there is no way to regain vision already lost, early detection is key. Treatments are available to slow the progression, and low vision services can help make use of remaining vision.
An Amsler Grid is a simple at-home test used to monitor vision. You can print one out in Patient Resources. This test is used to assess the macula, the center of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. You should use it daily and contact our office as soon as you notice any changes.
Dry or Atrophic Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD, the most common form, occurs with the natural aging of the eye. Tiny, yellow, fatty, protein deposits called drusen form under the macula, causing deterioration. The drying and thinning of the macula result in a gradual decrease in central vision.
Geographic Atrophy: Advanced Dry Macular Degeneration
Geographic atrophy is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) where areas of the retina degenerate and die. Geographic atrophy is serious, and damage to the retina is irreversible and can lead to significant vision loss. There is medicine available to help keep geographic atrophy from getting worse. Early detection is vital in preserving your site. It is important that you receive a comprehensive eye exam every year, starting at age 50.
Wet or Exudative Macular Degeneration
Wet AMD, also known as neovascular AMD, occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. When these blood vessels leak fluid or blood, it causes damage to the macula, affecting central vision. Usually, blank or dark spots begin showing in the central vision, affecting daily activities.
Anti-VEGF Injections
VEGF is the vascular endothelial growth factor chemical in the body. Although VEGF is needed in our bodies for the growth of new blood vessels, in the macula of the eye, it can be unhealthy. VEGF causes the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels behind the retina, which then leak blood and fluid into the retinal layers, causing vision loss.
Anti-VEGF Treatment is currently the most common and effective treatment for macular degeneration. With this treatment, an anti-VEGF drug is injected into the eye with a very fine needle. The drug inhibits the development or leakage of the abnormal blood vessels, slowing vision loss. Although an injection in the eye sounds scary, a topical anesthetic is used, so it is usually not painful. These ongoing treatments slow the progression of macular degeneration and preserve your vision.
Laser Treatment
Thermal laser treatment cauterizes the abnormal blood vessels with a high-energy, focused beam of light, which terminates the growth and prevents further leakage. This treatment is often used if the blood vessel growth is in a condensed area away from the center of the macula. Laser therapy helps prevent severe vision loss but leaves a permanent blind spot at the laser treatment point. Drs. Westrich and Metelitsina perform the procedure in the office. Sometimes retreatment may be needed within three to five years.
