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Macular Degeneration
Specialists In Treating Macular Degeneration
EyeCare Associates is staffed with highly trained eye doctors who use the latest technology to conduct thorough eye exams and help diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions, including macular degeneration.
Through our doctors' experience, skills, and expertise they are able to help patients go through treatment options and improve their vision.
Find a EyeCare Associates AMD Specialists Near You
EyeCare Associates has AMD eye care specialists in our locations serving Alabama.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry is the most common form and occurs when tissue in the macula thins and cells responsible for vision decrease. Wet AMD is a less common form but is more severe due to vision loss being more rapid. Wet AMD is caused by the blood vessels under your macula leaking into part of the retina. The symptoms are worse for wet versus dry AMD. Regular eye exams help diagnose AMD early and is important for both types.
Macular Degeneration Symptoms
Symptoms don’t always happen immediately and can often go unnoticed until vision loss occurs. AMD might only happen in one eye, or one eye is more severe than the other, and it can be hard to notice anything wrong with your vision. Common symptoms include: blurry vision, dark areas in your vision, colors that look different, small text is harder to read, or driving is becoming more difficult.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Options for AMD
AMD differs from other eye conditions in that it’s not just an irritated eye that can be cured with eye drops, it involves a blur or loss of vision which is not so easily reversed. The best over-the-counter options for AMD include vitamins and supplements that contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. The doctors at EyeCare Associates can set up treatment options that include over-the-counter supplements.
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Macular degeneration is an eye disease affecting the macula (the center of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye), causing loss or blurriness of central vision.
Frequently Asked Questions about Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration is when the macula slowly breaks down and blurring of central vision occurs. Wet macular degeneration is when blood vessels behind the retina grow under the macular and leak onto the macula.
Macular degeneration might naturally occur as you get older, but there are steps to take to prevent loss of vision, such as not smoking, managing your health, a healthy diet, and getting regular eye exams.
Macular degeneration is also known as age-related macular degeneration because it’s the leading cause of vision loss in those over 60. While it primarily happens as you get older, it can be caused by genetics and can happen when younger. Other risk factors besides age and genetics include smoking, poor health, and it is more common in women.