Frequently Asked Questions about Macular Degeneration
You may have heard of some scary-sounding eye conditions without actually understanding what these conditions are and how they affect your vision. Check out these answers to some frequently asked questions on the subject of one of the most misunderstood eye diseases, from Romanoff Vision in Sylvania, OH.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a progressive, irreversible condition in which the retinal tissues become damaged and lose their ability to send correct visual data to the optic nerves. It is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide.
What Is the Macula?
The macula is a specialized zone of retinal cells at the back of the eye. This area is responsible for processing the incoming light that becomes the central part of your visual field. Once macular degeneration has progressed to the point of vision loss, activities such as reading or recognizing faces becomes difficult.
Why Is Macular Degeneration Sometimes Called AMD?
AMD stands for age-related macular degeneration. That's because the condition typically makes its first appearance in late middle age or the senior years.
What Are the Stages or Categories of Macular Degeneration?
Most individuals with macular degeneration have the early stage, a category called dry macular degeneration. In dry AMD, yellow-tinged deposits called drusen accumulate on the macula, resulting in mild to severe vision problems. Some patients advance to the later stage, known as wet macular degeneration. In this advanced form of AMD, damaged blood vessels cause bleeding in the eye. This stage can create major distortion of straight lines and/or blank "holes" in your central vision.
How Does Your Eye Clinic Check for Macular Degeneration?
Our eye clinic routinely checks for macular degeneration and other retinal disorders during a comprehensive eye exam. Annual eye exams can play a critical role in catching the disease early enough to monitor and control it. We can look directly inside the eye to inspect your retinal tissues.
How Do You Address Dry Macular Degeneration?
There's no specific medication to treat dry macular degeneration. We will monitor your condition closely and recommend eye-healthy nutrition, lifestyle habits, and UV protection. We may also recommend lenses that block blue light, a potential AMD trigger.
What Kinds of Treatments Can Help Wet Macular Degeneration?
The prime characteristic of wet AMD is the formation of new faulty blood vessels in the eye. These vessels can be somewhat controlled by both medications and laser eye surgery, but lifestyle changes are the most effective form of protection against any type of AMD.
More Questions? Call Romanoff Vision in Sylvania
Romanoff Vision has your macular degeneration answers. Call our Sylvania clinic at (419) 885-5556 for an appointment!
