Macular Degeneration Specialist Questions and Answers
Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that can cause permanent vision loss. If you suspect you have this disease, Dr. Smith, Dr. Church and their team of leading optometrists are here to help. Call us today for more information or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Nicetown CA , Washington Terrace UT, Uintah UT, Harrisville UT, South Nicetown CA and Roy UT.
Age has its ups and downs. Getting older for many might mean retirement, more time on the golf course or beach, or less hair, more wrinkles, arthritis, forgetfulness, and eye disease, like macular degeneration, which is the severe, permanent vision loss in people over the age 60. Macular Degeneration, also formally known as Age-Related Macular Degeneration, happens to older people and occurs when the small area of your retina, also known as the macula, wears down. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue that is located at the back of your eye. The disease does not cause blindness, but instead severe vision problems. There are two kinds of age-related macular degeneration. There is the dry form and wet form. Those who have the dry form might have yellow deposits in their macula, which may cause changes in vision. As they get larger and more numerous, they may distort your vision, like when you read, and as the condition worsens, the light-sensitive cells in your macula get thinner and eventually die, and you might lose your central vision. The wet form is when blood vessels grow underneath your macula, leaking fluid and blood into your retina, causing your vision to be distorted where straight lines look wavy. You might also have loss of central vision and blind spots. The blood vessels and bleeding could eventually form a scar, leading to the permanent loss of central vision. Most patients with macular degeneration have the dry form (85% to 90%), but keep in mind that the dry form may also lead to the wet form if not treated. If you suspect that you have macular degeneration, then you will want to book an appointment with Dr. Michael Smith, OD, and his leading team of optometrists at ABC Vision Clinic.
What is the main cause of macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration shows no noticeable symptoms in its early stages and is a common, painless eye condition in which the central portion of the retina deteriorates and does not function adequately. Doctors describe the disease as one associated with aging, which slowly destroys the sharp central vision needed for common daily tasks and seeing objects clearly. What raises your risk of getting macular degeneration? This is a common question and scientists have reported 20 or so genes linked to more than half of macular degeneration. However, genes are not the whole story, there are other things that might combine with genes that will raise the chances of getting the disease. Let’s start with race and ethnicity. According to research, Whites are in the highest risk group, followed by Chinese and Hispanic/Latino, with African-Americans being the least risk. If you smoke, then your risk is much higher as smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that goes to different parts of your body, including your eyes. Heart disease, obesity, spending too much time in the sun, medication, and diet and alcohol will also amp up your risks of getting the disease.
How long does it take for someone to lose vision with macular degeneration?
In the early stages of macular degeneration, you might not have any vision issues, however, your doctor may advise you to make some important lifestyle changes to stop the eye disorder from progressing. In the intermediate stage, you might experience problems with central vision, and vitamins might be used to slow progression. In the very late stages, you might have difficulty seeing clearly, and your doctor may advise surgery, or may have you work directly with an occupational therapist. It is reported that, on average, it takes approximately 10 years to move from diagnosis to legal blindness. There are also some rare forms of macular degeneration that might cause sight loss in a matter of days.
Can macular degeneration be cured?
There is no cure for macular degeneration, however, treatments may help prevent serious vision loss, or might slow the progression of the disorder considerably.
What is the best treatment for macular degeneration?
The positive news is that there are a number of treatment options available for patients, like anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medicines, dietary supplements, and low vision aids and rehabilitation. Your best bet is to always consult with a doctor on the right treatment options and prevention tips.
Did you want a comprehensive eye exam? Do you suspect that you might have macular degeneration? If so, then book an appointment with ABC Vision Clinic today. Our leading optometrists will be pleased to see you and help you with your eyecare needs.
