Macular Degeneration Westerville & Columbus, OH
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disorder and the leading cause of vision loss among people 50 and older. AMD is a condition that causes damage to the macula, a part of the retina responsible for central vision. AMD is caused by deposits under the retina called drusen, and in some cases, the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina. AMD does not cause complete blindness, only loss of central vision.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration. Dry AMD is more common and is generally caused by aging and thinning of the macula. Dry AMD causes gradual vision loss and can progress into wet AMD. No medications or treatments are available, but some may benefit from a vitamin therapy regimen.
Of all cases of AMD, around 10% are classified as wet macular degeneration. This form causes more damage than the dry form. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking blood and fluid, which will cause blurriness and distortion of vision. This develops faster and is more noticeable than dry AMD. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to keeping your vision intact.
Symptoms of Wet AMD
- Loss of central vision.
- Dark grey spots of blank spots in vision.
- Size of objects may appear different in each eye.
- Color may lose brightness.
- Colors may not look the same in each eye.
Treatment of wet AMD can include anti-VEGF treatment (such as Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea), thermal laser treatment or photodynamic therapy (PDT). Treatment reduces but doesn’t eliminate the risk of vision loss. It is important to remember that only 10% of AMD is the wet form and can be treated, and about 75% of cases cannot be treated. Little can be done to stop vision loss, but early detection by one of our doctors in Westerville, Ohio can slow down the process of age-related macular degeneration. Use of an Amsler Grid weekly can also help detect early changes from AMD.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call Comprehensive EyeCare in Westerville, Ohio to schedule an eye exam. Comprehensive EyeCare will help you diagnose and treat age-related macular degeneration. Remember, early detection is very important!
Click HERE to print out a copy of an Amsler Grid.
