Macular Degeneration

Name: Family Eye Care of O'Fallon
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What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina which is located on the inside back layer of the eye. The macula is responsible for clear, sharp vision and is many times more sensitive than the rest of the retina. Without a healthy macula, seeing detailed or vivid color is not possible.

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration, wet and dry AMD.

In the dry type, deposits form in the tissue of the macula and it stops functioning properly. This type is thought to occur as part of the aging process of the eye in some people.

Wet macular degeneration is less common than dry macular degeneration. In wet AMD, fluids form newly formed blood vessels leak under the macula and cause significant vision loss. This condition can sometimes be treated with laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, or injections to the eye. Early detection and prompt treatment is vital in limiting visual loss.

Who is at risk for Macular Degeneration?

More than 11 million Americans have macular degeneration. It’s the leading cause of vision loss for older adults.

Age is a prominent risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. The risk of getting advanced age-related macular degeneration increases from 2% for those ages 50-59, to nearly 30% for those over the age of 75.

The risk for AMD is also higher for people who:

Have a family history of AMD
Are Caucasian
Smoke

If you’re at risk for AMD because of your age, family history, or other factors, it’s important to get regular comprehensive eye exams. Ask your Family Eye Care doctor how often you need to get eye exams.

Early AMD doesn’t have any symptoms, so don’t wait for your vision to change!

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Symptoms of macular degeneration may include:

A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
Objects appear to be distorted in shape or straight lines appear wavy or crooked
A gradual loss of clear color vision
A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

These symptoms may also indicate other eye health problems, so if you are experiencing any of these, you should contact your Family Eye Care of O’Fallon doctor as soon as possible.

In a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will perform a variety of tests to determine if you have macular degeneration or other eye conditions.

How is Macular Degeneration detected?

Early signs of disease can be present in the eye and remain undetected for a long time when using typical, traditional imaging and exam methods.

Family Eye Care utilizes Optomap retinal imaging as part of a comprehensive eye exam.

Optomap is an advanced technology producing an ultra-widefield retinal image that captures more than 80% of your retina in a single image. Traditional imaging methods typically only show 15% of your retina at one time.

How is Macular Degeneration treated?

There are currently no preventive measures available for this slowly progressive condition, although ongoing research is exploring environmental, genetic, and dietary factors that may contribute to macular degeneration.

Studies suggest that taking certain nutritional supplements may slow the progression of this disease.

A healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. The following lifestyle changes are recommended:

Don’t smoke
Exercise regularly
Keep blood pressure in a normal range and control other medical conditions
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and fish, and in low foods that rapidly raise blood sugar
Protect eyes from overexposure to sunlight with sunglasses and hats

Wet AMD can sometimes be treated with laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, or injections to the eye.

Other newer treatment strategies are also being investigated, including:

Retinal cell transplants
Drugs to prevent or slow disease progress
Radiation therapy
Gene therapies
A computer chip implanted in the retina that may help simulate vision
Agents that will prevent new blood vessel growth under the macula.

Once central vision is lost to macular degeneration, there is no way to restore it. However, since macular degeneration does not affect side vision, low vision aids such as special telescopic and microscopic lenses, magnifying glasses and electronic magnifiers for close work can be prescribed to help make the most of remaining vision.

With adaptation, a person can often cope well and continue to do most things he or she is accustomed to doing.

Early detection and prompt treatment is vital in limiting visual loss.

Is a Macular Degeneration exam covered by Insurance?

Yes, a comprehensive medical eye exam is covered by Medicare and health insurance

Remember: early detection of macular degeneration is the most important factor in determining if you can be treated effectively. Maintain a regular schedule of optometric exams to help protect your vision.