Do you ever wonder, “What exactly is Macular Degeneration?”, or “What can I do to protect myself from developing Macular Degeneration?”? Well, you’ve come to the right place. First, here are a few quick facts about AMD (Age-related macular degeneration):
- AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people aged 50 and over in developed countries.
- There are two basic types of AMD: “dry” and “wet” with 85-90% of people who are affected, having the “dry” type.
- There is no treatment for the “dry” kind, though many studies are currently being conducted. Intraocular injections and laser are both used for treatment of the “wet” kind.
- The biggest risk factor for developing AMD is age, which is why it is called “age-related” macular degeneration.
“How do I know if I have macular degeneration?” Early symptoms include:
- Gradual loss of clear, central vision
- Distortion to shapes of objects or waviness to straight lines
- A dark spot in the center of your vision
The earlier that AMD is detected, the better; this is why most eyecare professionals recommend routine, annual eye exams.
“What can I do to reduce my risk of developing macular degeneration?” Unfortunately, many risk factors like age, sex and race are non-modifiable. There are a few things we can control:
- Do not smoke.
- Eat a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables.
- Protect your eyes from UV exposure by wearing large brimmed hats or sunglasses when outside.
We at EYE VISON ASSOCIATES can help diagnose and manage macular degeneration. If you have a family history of AMD and have not had a routine eye exam in a few years, we would be happy to have you in for an exam. Please give us a call at 631-588-5100 to schedule an appointment so we can help keep your eyes healthy!