Macular Degeneration

Understanding Macular Degeneration and How We Can Treat It

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans over 60. While you cannot cure age-related macular degeneration, some treatments can stop or delay its progression. Scheduling an eye exam with an optometrist near you is crucial for detecting this condition and getting prompt treatment before it leads to significant vision loss. Vision Source in Magnolia can catch age-related macular degeneration and provide effective treatment to protect your eye and vision health. We are here to tell you more about this condition and how we can treat it.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects central vision, making it challenging to see straight ahead. This condition results from changes in the central section of the retina, including the macula, and is most common among people 60 or older. People do not typically lose their central vision entirely, but macular degeneration can dramatically impact their lives, so treating it after an early diagnosis is best.

The two types of macular degeneration are wet and dry. The dry form is much more common, affecting 90% of those with the disease, and results from protein deposits forming under the macula. The wet form occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop and leak under the macula. Wet macular degeneration can occur more quickly than the dry form and tends to be more severe.

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Dry and wet macular degeneration require different treatments. The primary form of dry macular degeneration treatment is nutritional supplements, including vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and lutein. Taking these vitamins can reduce your risk of vision loss.

The approaches for wet macular degeneration treatment are more complicated and include:

• Medication: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, or anti-VEGF, medications can stop blood vessel growth after injection into the retina.

• Photodynamic therapy: This approach involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into the retina, followed by laser therapy to destroy extra blood vessels under the macula. Your eye doctor may combine this treatment with anti-VEGF medications.

• Laser photocoagulation: Laser photocoagulation uses a laser to seal leaking blood vessels.

Besides the treatments mentioned above, the best methods of reducing your risk for age-related macular degeneration are behavioral changes, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and cholesterol levels, and exercising regularly.

Get Macular Degeneration Treatment Today at Vision Source

Regular examinations by an eye doctor allow early detection and treatment of age-related macular degeneration, so contact Vision Source in Magnolia to schedule an eye exam today. Our optometrist can treat your age-related macular degeneration and ensure your eye and vision health remains strong. To schedule your appointment, contact our Magnolia office at (346) 586-2020 today. When you’re seeking an optometrist near me, we are ready to assist you!