Macular Degeneration Specialist

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a chronic, progressive disease that slowly destroys patients’ sharp, central vision. The disease results from the deterioration of the macula. The macula is the tiny, central part of your retina. 

The 2 different types of macular degeneration are referred to as dry and wet, with the dry form being most common.

What are the risk factors for macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration can be hereditary. Therefore, it can be passed from one generation to the next. If one or more of your family members have macular degeneration, talk with the team at Bainbridge Eye Care about your individual risk.

Besides heredity, other risk factors for macular degeneration include:

• Being over 60 years of age
• Having high blood pressure
• Having high cholesterol
• Being obese
• Smoking
• Being female
• Having colored skin
• Having light-colored eyes

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

The symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• A diminished or altered ability to perceive colors
• Blurry, dark areas in the center of your vision

If you’re experiencing either or both of these symptoms, contact the team at Bainbridge Eye Care as quickly as possible.

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

Having tiny yellow deposits under your retinas is a prevalent, early sign of macular degeneration. In addition to examining your retinas, the team at Bainbridge Eye Care might ask you to look at an Amsler grid during a regular eye exam. This grid resembles a checkerboard. Seeing wavy lines rather than straight ones on an Amsler grid is a sign of macular degeneration. Failing to see some of the lines altogether is another marker of this disease.

How is macular degeneration treated?

Unfortunately, in most cases, reversing the damage caused by macular degeneration isn’t possible. However, certain treatments are believed to slow the progression of the disease. Consuming certain vitamins and minerals is thought to decrease the risk of vision loss in patients diagnosed with intermediate or advanced stages of macular degeneration.

These beneficial substances include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Copper
• Zinc
• Beta-carotene

Those suffering from the wet form of macular degeneration might benefit from laser therapies. During this type of treatment, a high-energy, laser light destroys aggressively growing, abnormal blood vessels commonly present with macular degeneration.

To schedule your macular degeneration consultation, call the team at Bainbridge Eye Care or book an appointment online today.